Chapter 359

• The timing was almost ironic. Just as Rafael and I were finalizing plans for our visit to Northwatch Estate, Jessica arranged for someone to deliver the latest financial reports. And who should show up but Eric the shopkeeper himself.
• Since Helen was currently staying at Hell Monarch Estate, Eric made the trip in person. Had Helen been at the corporate headquarters, Jessica would have handled the handoff. Gillian suspected Eric’s visit was also a way for him to put faces to names, so the shop staff could recognize Helen and her entourage if they came back.
• Helen eagerly flipped open the ledger, but her eyes quickly narrowed. The pages were sparse, listing only sales of basic, low-value items no high-end jewelry at all. The summary at the end was devastating: a quarter with a loss exceeding ten thousand silver coins. Ten thousand. More than ever before.