Chapter 2022

At the Holland family headquarters across the city, Stanson endured an earful from a business partner over the phone. Normally, he exuded dominance and arrogance, but today, he held his tongue, offering no resistance to the barrage of criticism. The truth was, he had no defense. The failed weapons deal and the mishandling of the trafficked women had left him with little standing to argue. Being chastised was the least of his concerns. "…Yes, yes, I acknowledge it was my mistake. Rest assured, it won't happen again. I'll await your further instructions. Goodbye." As the call ended, the smile quickly faded from Stanson's face. In frustration, he spat on the desk phone. "Ugh! What an insufferable fool!" At that moment, one of his men entered. "Sir, there's a Cathayan man outside named Colin Craig. He insists on meeting with you." "A Cathayan?" Stanson's irritation flared up again. "I don't want to see him! Throw him out!" For months, dealings with the Cathayans had only brought him