The Last Payment

He says he doesn't have it," I said, staring at my phone. "He's lying," Chloe said.

"Guys like that always have a 'go-bag' fund. Crypto, offshore,

something. But he's right about one thing—if he pays you from the company account

before the deal closes, it's embezzlement. If he waits until after the deal,

he has cash, but he won't pay you because he won't need you anymore." "So I have to force

him to pay before the deal, but from personal funds." "Exactly.

You need to make him believe that the cost of not paying you is immediate destruction."

Chloe tapped her taco on the plate. "But here's the kicker, Mark.