Debt and Deception

Julian swallowed hard. I could see the gears turning. If he made a scene,

he'd spook the investors. If he called security, I'd start shouting about the theft. He was trapped.

"Mark!" Julian choked out, stepping forward and grabbing my shoulder in a grip

that was meant to be friendly but was actually trying to steer me away. "My...

my oldest friend. From Chicago. What a surprise!" "I happened to be in the neighborhood,"

I said, not moving an inch. "I heard Aether-Health is doing great things. I was just telling...

everyone... how proud I am to be the first investor." I put a heavy emphasis on the word "first."

The VC guy—his nametag read 'Robert'—perked up. "Oh? You were the seed