My mother left me hungry and lonely at 16. When my…

He simply looked down at the document in front of him. “Let us proceed with the asset inventory,” Marvin said, his tone cutting through her performance. He began to read.

The list was extensive, a testament to the empire Elliot had built from nothing. He listed the primary residence, a sprawling estate on the cliffs of Ravenport, valued at $8 million. He listed a portfolio of patents related to encrypted data transmission, generating royalties in the mid-six figures annually.

He listed diversified investment accounts, bonded trusts, and offshore holdings. Then came the crown jewel. “Seventy-six percent controlling interest in Black Harbor Defense Group,” Marvin read, “a private cybersecurity and intelligence firm with active contracts in the public and private sectors.

Estimated valuation, at current market rates, exceeds $40 million.”

The number hung in the air. $40 million. Beside my mother sat Grant Weller.