Complications

ALEX

Moving hurt. Breathing hurt. At first, I was swallowing painkillers like candy, but I quickly realized that with my pain gone, so was my concentration. I had to be focused. I had to keep my head in the game and act cautiously.

My ribs were still broken, muscles still strained, and bruises still visible. There was no position I could shift my body into and feel comfortable in, but I couldn't allow myself to dull my mind. Not now.

Gregory Duncan promised to present an offer from the Dourado Insurance Group in less than a week. The problem was, I needed that offer immediately. Viento Insurance Company—which insured most of Ravenford Corporation's investments—still awaited my answer to their demand. My father and the Duncans were most likely certain that I had already rejected every proposal I'd received from them. I didn't. I stalled for time. Aside from the bitch move they made, our cooperation had been rather flawless for many years. Unfortunately, companies like theirs tended to