I did not sign the notice yet.

Instead, I opened my laptop and logged into my private, encrypted email account.

I pulled up Marcus’s direct contact information.

My fingers hovered over the keyboard.

If I sent the notice, Graham would have ten days to pay.

He would scramble, find the money somewhere, borrow from another friend, or beg his mother.

He would survive.

I did not want him to survive this.

I wanted to end his illusion of success completely.

I looked at the lease extension draft Marcus had sent me earlier in the week.

Graham’s current lease was set to expire at the end of the month.

He needed the extension to secure his investors for the big launch.

Without the physical showroom, his launch would be a disaster.

The investors would pull out.

His entire business model would collapse.

I began to type an email to Marcus.

*Marcus, regarding the Oak Lawn lease extension request for Ralston Enterprises.*

*Do not sign it.*

*Deny the extension.*

*Prepare the formal non-renewal notice immediately.*

My heart beat steadily in my chest.