Chapter Five: The Deadline Triangle

With thirty-six hours left, Lu understood why they had chosen Costa. Ironbridge owed an eleven-million short-term debt to Zero Point and needed a sale to pass financial review. Real Imperium offered twelve million but demanded perpetual image and biometric rights. Crown wanted Costa, but Wolff's arrival had sealed its wage capacity. Three clubs formed three mutually locked doors. “The email is directing you,” Su said. “Obey and we enter their design. Refuse and we lose our only lead.” “Then we'll complete a transfer, just not the one they designed.” Lu approached Harbor United. Lin's debut had sold every ticket, and Van der Veer needed a ball-playing defender for Europe. Harbor would pay six million now.