Entering the office, he was speechless. The employees were there, but no one was working. They whispered in groups and upon seeing him, they looked away. The office phone wouldn't stop ringing, but no one answered.

The CFO ran up to him with a desperate look. Vice President, it's a disaster. An official letter came from the bank demanding repayment of the loans. We have three days to return nearly $50 million, including principal and interest.

If we don't pay, they will freeze all the company's accounts and assets. Caleb felt everything go dark and had to lean against the wall to keep from falling. 50 million in 3 days. They want to kill us.

At that moment, his secretary approached with a trembling voice. Mr. Prescott, a few gentlemen in suits have arrived. They say they are from the IRS. What he had feared had come.

Caleb felt his legs give way beneath him. Meanwhile, at the Prescott house, there was no peace either. As Caleb's mother was complaining to Briana about the family's misfortune, the doorbell rang frantically. Briana, thinking it was Caleb, ran to open it.

Two men in suits stood at the door. Is this the residence of Mr. Russell Prescott? We are from Chase Bank. We've brought a notice of urgent demand for payment of your company's loans.

It must be received in person. Caleb's mother nearly fainted upon hearing it was from the bank and Briana froze. She took the thin but heavy as lead paper. Soon after the bankmen left, the doorbell rang again.

This time they were from the court. They brought a preliminary asset seizure order which the suppliers had filed for. Then the property manager came and politely but firmly asked them to settle the overdue utility bills as the Prescott company was involved in financial disputes. People kept coming bringing bad news related to money.

Caleb's mother sat on the sofa and cried while Briana looked at the payment demands and court documents with a pale face. No matter how foolish she was, she understood that the situation was serious. This was not a small problem. The sky was falling.

In one night, the Prescott family had become the target of all criticism. Creditors were lining up at their door. Briana began to feel anxious. She had gotten involved with Caleb for his money and a comfortable life.

But now, instead of money, she faced a mountain of debt. Even this house could be auctioned off. What was she to do? The due date for her own loans from payday loan companies was approaching.

She had thought she would pay them off with Caleb's money. She looked at the house, looked at Caleb's crying mother, and for the first time felt a strong sense of danger. What if the Prescott family really goes bankrupt? then I have no business here.

I'll have to pay their debts along with them." Briana discreetly took out her phone and began deleting the Instagram post about simple happiness that she had posted last night. And I, from the spacious terrace of the villa, enjoying an exquisitely prepared breakfast, listen to Marcus' telephone report. Miss Savannah, the bank and court representatives have already been there. The Prescott company's accounts are frozen.

The apartment and car in Caleb's name are also seized and cannot be sold. Several major suppliers have announced that if they do not receive payment today, they will file a joint bankruptcy petition tomorrow. I understand, I said calmly, sipping my milk. Let them proceed.

I hung up and watched the morning sunrise over Chicago. Its golden rays were blinding. Mr. Prescott, how does it feel to be surrounded by creditors? Russell Prescott was, after all, a man of experience.

He was terrified, but he hadn't completely lost his head. He called his son Caleb into his study and closed the door. Caleb, tell me, what the hell have you been doing lately? Who did you offend?

It's not normal for all of this to happen at once. Caleb was on the verge of tears. Dad, I swear I haven't done anything. Lately, I've only been going to the construction site or to business meetings with regular people.

I haven't said a single wrong word. Who could I have offended? Then why did the CEO of Sterling suddenly change his mind? Why are the banks demanding our loans?

And why is the IRS auditing us right now? There must be a reason. Caleb shook his head in confusion. His thoughts were in chaos.

Then he remembered something his mother had said the day before. Dad, what if mom is right? What if it's because of Savannah? Don't talk nonsense, Russell shouted.

If Savannah had that kind of power, would she have sat quietly when you hit her and threw her out of the house? If she had that kind of influence, would she have lived in this house for 5 years without saying a word? Caleb didn't know what to say. He was right.

If Savannah had such support, she wouldn't have lived such a miserable life. There's only one option left. Russell took a deep breath. I'll have to swallow my pride and visit some old friends.

See if I can find out something or if someone will be willing to help us. Russell looked through his calendar and called an old college friend who worked at city hall, someone who owed him a lot. The phone rang for a long time before it was answered. Russell, what happened?

What kind of mess have you made? Russell felt his heart sink. Director, have you heard anything? Please tell me, who did I cross?

The director replied awkwardly. I don't know much, but an order came from the top. No one is to interfere in your affairs. They said, "Whoever gets involved will sink with you.

Russell, this time you'll have to manage on your own. I have to go to a meeting. Goodbye." The call suddenly ended. Russell, stunned with the receiver in his hand, called another contact, the vice president of the Chamber of Commerce.

The response was similar. Russell, I'm sorry. The big fish you crossed is extraordinary. He said that whoever helps you will be considered his enemy.

We little people can't afford that. The call ended again. Russell didn't give up and called a few more places, but the result was the same. They either didn't answer or said they couldn't help or even laughed at him.