Chapter 46
As they were still talking, Justice strode in from outside, carrying two insulated containers. “Gordon, your sister had the staff make some herbal medicine at home for you. You need to drink it while it’s still hot. And this one-this is a nourishing soup p>
He set the containers down, then turned his gaze to Skyler. “Skyler, you’ll be staying here with your uncle tonight, right? Or do you want me to stick around too p>
“I’m fine by myself, you don’t need to worry,” Skyler replied, his voice steady.
Gordon took the bowl of bitter medicine from his brother-in-law and forced down a mouthful, grimacing at the taste. “Really, Justice, I’m almost fully recovered. There’s no need for either of you to keep me company tonight I’ll be fine on my own p>
Justice frowned. “No way. Skyler, you stay with him.” He looked over at Skyler again. “All right, then. I’ll head home, but your uncle’s in your hands. If anything comes up, promise me you’ll call me or your mom right away p>
“I will, Dad.” Skyler nodded.
Once he’d made sure everything was settled, Justice finally turned and left.
Apex Game Studios.
Victor sat behind his desk, buried in paperwork.
The company was going through a rough patch, and with so many fires to put out, he’d barely managed a decent night’s sleep in two weeks.
Knock, knock, knock-
The quiet was broken by someone rapping on the door.
“Come in,” Victor called, not even glancing up.
A figure stepped inside.
“Still burning the midnight oil, Winslow?” The newcomer was Gareth, Victor’s longtime friend—the man who’d witnessed Apex rise to glory and now, painfully, watched it stumble toward ruin.
Gareth set a steaming mug of milk on the desk. “Here. Take a break and have some milk p>
Victor rubbed the bridge of his nose, face drawn with exhaustion. He pushed the mug away. “Honestly? I’d kill for an iced coffee right now, not milk p>
Gareth rolled his eyes. “Coffee? At this hour? You look like death warmed over. Are you trying to drop dead p>
Victor leaned back in his chair, silent.
Gareth studied him for a moment, choosing his words with care. “Winslow, I don’t know if I should even say this, but we’ve been friends for more than a decade. I can’t just stand by and watch. Apex still has some value left-sell it while you can! Jasper’s gone, and there’s no one else in the country who could make a triple-A game with you p>
Apex Game Studios wasn’t a total lost cause-if Victor wanted out, he could walk away without losing everything. That was exactly why Julian from The Chandler Group was circling, hoping for a buyout. But if Victor kept clinging on, he’d lose not only the company, but risk spending the rest of his life dodging loan sharks. Gareth couldn’t stand seeing his friend stuck in the mud, refusing to save himself. Victor knew Gareth meant every word. Over the past few weeks, most of his so- called friends had drifted away, but Gareth was still here, genuinely worried for him.
But Victor couldn’t let go of Apex so easily.
Apex was his youth. His dream.
He wanted to prove to everyone that Victor Winslow could still make great games.
He massaged his temples, then looked up at Gareth. “Apex still has Miss Kensington. I trust her p>
Gareth had never met the mysterious Miss Kensington, but from what he’d heard, she sounded like nothing more than a smooth-talking con artist.
He couldn’t help himself. “She promised to cover your funding gap! It’s been three days-where’s the money p>
Victor was grasping at straws. If Caitlin was really that capable, the funds would have arrived already-not kept him waiting like this. She wasn’t going to save him; she might just be the last straw that broke the camel’s back.
Gareth sighed. “Winslow, just face facts. Are you really willing to watch your wife and Keen spend the rest of their lives in misery p>
Keen was Victor’s eight-year-old son, just starting second grade.
Thinking of his boy, Victor’s expression softened. He’d started from nothing, and if the company collapsed, he could live with that. But what about his son?
For a moment, Victor wavered. After all, everything he did was for Keen.
Gareth pressed on. “Winslow, Julian from The Chandler Group is at the top of his game-he’s snapped up every talented developer in Silverhaven. You can’t compete with that! Save yourself while you can. If you sell Apex to them now, at least your family’s future is secure p>
There comes a time in a man’s life when he has to think about more than just himself—he has to think about the people who depend on him.
Ding.
Right then, Victor’s phone buzzed. It was a WhatsApp message from Caitlin.
In that instant, Victor’s doubt vanished. He sat up straighter, resolve hardening. “Gareth, let’s drop it. I believe in Miss Kensington. She’s taking Apex Game Studios to the top-this year, we’ll win the Celestial Awards. If the funding hasn’t come through yet, she must have her reasons. She promised it would be settled within ten days-it’s only been three p>