“Of course, of course,” she said. “But the Mercer name is a guarantee of security.”

“We have controlled the northern shipping routes for over two decades.”

“That was before your husband passed away,” Vance noted coldly.

“And before your company lost three major shipping contracts to the southern ports last month.”

Daniel swallowed hard, his hand trembling as he reached for his water.

“Those losses were temporary, Mr. Vance,” Daniel stammered.

“We are restructuring our entire fleet.”

“Restructuring requires capital,” Vance said. “Capital you do not have.”

Vivian glared at Daniel, silencing him with a single look.

She turned back to Vance, her expression desperate but determined.

“Mr. Vance, we have been loyal associates for years,” she said.

“If you do not sign this agreement tonight, our competitors will realize we are vulnerable.”

“They will squeeze us out of the harbor.”

“You must help us.”

Arthur Vance leaned back in his chair, folding his hands over his knee.

He looked at Vivian with a mixture of pity and professional detachment.

“I am afraid it is not that simple, Mrs. Mercer,” Vance said.