"Patrick used to be part of Governor Morton's campaign team. He's well-connected in Richmond.
He told me this was an old, established company and even emphasized that Governor Clint's shadow loomed behind it."
With the apparent endorsement of Governor Clint—and the purchasing representative from Londo Construction traveling all the way to Lynchburg—Michael believed it.
Especially because the man carried himself like a traditional gentleman. It even made Michael believe his gambling son had miraculously brought home a solid deal.
Londo Construction seemed affluent and powerful. Within just a month and a half, they placed three large orders back to back, successfully saving the lumber mill.
Their commercial credit was excellent, their contract terms fair and reasonable, and they had strictly followed payment terms—never once breaching a contract.
"I honestly thought my piety and goodness had finally touched God's heart—giving me a lifeline just when I was about to collapse."
Michael's face was full of bitter emotion.
After the three orders were fulfilled, Michael was invited to Richmond to discuss an even larger contract in person.
The visit only solidified his trust—he saw their century-old building and was convinced this was an old-fashioned, reputable firm.
This trust, coupled with his desperate circumstances, made him reckless. Facing a million-dollar order, he got so excited that he lost all caution.
"I didn't even read the contract properly—I just signed it."
Michael said with regret.
He rushed back to the mill, as the client insisted on a short delivery timeline for a massive order—they had to begin immediately.
"Everything was going smoothly. We were only 10% away from the goal, and then suddenly, the town's Seven-Member Council passed the 'Lynchburg Environmental Protection Act.'
They completely ignored my existence—suddenly it was all about saving the environment!"
At this point, Michael slammed his fist on the table in anger.
"You had no idea it was coming?" Leo asked.
"None. If I had even the slightest warning, I would never have accepted that order," Michael shook his head.
"Sounds like your friend betrayed you," Leo said.
"Patrick… he did betray me. I confronted him, but he coldly refused to help me.
To this day, I still don't understand why. Was it really just about protecting the environment?"
Michael muttered.
"And then?" Leo pressed.
"I tried everything to convince the council to delay the law's enforcement until after the order's delivery deadline on September 18.
At least let me finish the job. But all my efforts failed.
To make things worse, Londo Construction adamantly demanded I deliver the full 5,000 cubic meters of timber on time.
They made it clear—if I didn't, they'd take necessary legal measures."
Michael gestured toward the now-empty lumberyard outside the window.
"There used to be 4,000 cubic meters out there.
I thought—even if I couldn't fulfill the full order, that stock alone could still net me $800,000 to $900,000.
So I contacted Londo and they sent trucks to haul the timber away.
But when I tried to collect payment, they coldly told me to read the contract."
Only then did he realize the grave mistake he had made.
"If I fail to deliver the remaining 1,000 cubic meters by September 22, I won't just lose the money from those 4,000 cubic meters.
I'll have to pay a $1.5 million penalty.
And if I can't pay it—Brown Lumber Mill, which I used as collateral, will be seized and transferred to Londo Construction."
"What were you planning to do?" Leo asked.
Michael rubbed his temples and let out a dry laugh.
"My family had about $1 million in savings. I thought I could borrow the remaining $500,000.
No way I was going to let the Brown name disappear under my watch."
But borrowing turned out harder than he thought. It was as if all his friends had vanished overnight.
Eventually, one acquaintance recommended Carlo.
At first, Michael couldn't believe Carlo had money. After all, the boy had grown up with his help.
But with nowhere else to turn, he went to Carlo—thinking, what did he have to lose?
To his surprise, Carlo welcomed him warmly, despite their complicated past.
Carlo claimed he'd give everything he had to help and forked over $340,000.
Of course, Carlo also had a crew to support, so his money only came in one form: high-interest loans.
Still, Michael was overjoyed—he only needed $160,000 more.
He planned to mortgage his farmhouse and land outside town to get the rest.
He figured once the timber was sold, he could easily repay the loan within six months.
But reality slapped him again—the bank refused his mortgage proposal.
Worse still, due to the new law, the workers went on strike.
"Somehow, word got out. Rumors spread that the mill was going under.
The workers came to me, desperate for answers.
To calm them down, I promised to solve the issue by any means."
"But the next day, gangsters suddenly showed up at the mill.
They said it was to ensure I could repay my debts and that they were there for my safety.
Then they locked me in that room, cut the phone lines, and forbade all contact with the outside world.
Only Jack was allowed to visit."
"And Jack? He did nothing?" Leo asked.
"Nothing. That foolish son of mine is dumber than I ever imagined.
Because he came and went freely, no one suspected I was being held against my will.
He treated the situation as if he'd inherited the family business.
Worse, he mortgaged the house and borrowed more money from Carlo to go gamble in Richmond.
He doesn't even realize the family is on the brink of ruin."
Michael finally broke down and cried into his hands.
After a moment, he wiped his tears and looked Leo dead in the eye.
"Leo, the Brown family is finished. Emily is going to lose everything she has.
My beautiful girl has too many eyes on her. Carlo is definitely one of them.
So I'm begging you—promise me you'll protect her, no matter what."