A Fund of His Own

The SEC's letter requested communications with journalists, former Atlas employees, and any research related to Atlas Meridian or companies named in The Ledger's article. It was polite, broad, and expensive. Investors called within minutes of the rumor leaking. Some asked calm questions. Some asked whether gates would be imposed. One demanded immediate redemption despite the fund's quarterly terms. Ethan gathered the team. "We comply fully," he said. "No drama, no deleted messages, no hallway speculation. Lena coordinates counsel. Priya and Jonah review exposure. We reduce anything that can be misunderstood as a liquidity need. We do not trade Atlas based on the subpoena. We do not become the story."