Chapter Three: The Phantom Bid

“Six hundred thousand guaranteed. Four hundred thousand if Northport finishes top ten. Fifteen percent of actual future receipts—not profit. Remove due diligence. You pay his overdue image rights.” “Impossible.” “Seven minutes until your review closes.” Roland signed in minute six. Outside, Su finally breathed. “How did you know the deadline?” “Balance sheets don't lie.” Lin did not mention the system, nor the more dangerous line that flashed beneath the verdict: [The decision to release you was not signed by Roland.] Costaro arrived without a welcome. His first touch flew into the stand and boos rolled down. On his second, he followed Lin's route, cut inside, drew three defenders, and backheeled into space. Marcus headed home.