Folding For You

Chapter 42: Killian

I found Derek waiting for me at the Arctic. It was quiet tonight, though, perfect for what I needed to discuss.

Derek was already nursing a glass of Martini at one of the high-top tables, glancing over the rim of his glass as I walked over. He tilted his head, giving me that look that said he knew I had something up my sleeve.

"Glad you made it," he said, motioning for the bartender to bring over a drink for me. I took the seat across from him, the bar's ambient blue light casting shadows that felt as sharp as our conversation was about to get.

Derek gripped my shoulder, his face serious for once as he studied me, lips pursed. "Really... how are you holding up, bro?"

I sighed a sound that's been way too familiar this week. "One shitstorm after another, Derek. This is actually what I wanted to talk to you about."

Derek gave a small, understanding smile and sipped his drink. "Hey, you haven't ordered yet."

"I don't have to." As if on cue, the bartender handed me my glass of whiskey, and Derek made that exaggerated "Ooooh... big shot" sound he always did.

I got straight to it. "I want us to look into direct lending for startups," I said, steadying my tone. Derek's eyes widened slightly, just enough to tell me I had his attention.

"Direct lending? You mean bypassing the banks and putting ourselves on the line as the lender?" he asked, sounding more curious than sceptical, which was a good start.

"Exactly," I said, leaning forward. "With rates all over the place, startups are getting pushed out by traditional lenders. If we can be their funding source, we're not just meeting a need—we're opening a new revenue stream. Think of it: we'd be the ones they come to first, building loyalty in a market ready to explode."

He set down his Martini glass, folding his arms as he looked at me. "You know this means a bigger risk profile, right? This isn't a simple investment—we're talking about exposure to market shifts and potential defaults. Are we set up to handle that?"

I didn't flinch. "We have the resources, and we've already established a solid reputation with startup clients. This is the next move, Derek. We run a pilot program and target specific industries with high growth potential—tech, fintech, and renewable energy. We start small and set up tight underwriting standards. This isn't about diving in blindly; it's a calculated step."

He nodded slowly, thinking it over, the gears turning as he ran through the logistics. "Alright. We'll need a dedicated team to manage it and a clear risk assessment structure. But if we're selective, focusing on startups with a proven track record... this could work."

A hint of a grin tugged at the corner of my mouth. "That's what I thought. I need you to pull the numbers, draft lending parameters, and gather a team to handle this. I want us ready to move if we pull the trigger."

Derek lifted his glass in a silent toast. "Looks like we're about to make waves in a whole new way. Let's shake up the market."

I clinked my glass against his, the faint echo of crystal on crystal cutting through the ambient sounds around us. We were about to take a bold step, and I could feel the adrenaline kicking in already. If there was one thing I knew, we didn't sit on the sidelines. Not when there was an opportunity to redefine the game.

I shook my head, a faint grin tugging at the corner of my mouth. Then I got back to business. "Listen, with everything going on, I might need you to take the reins at Kincwood for a while until things stabilise on Karlton's side."

Derek didn't hesitate. "No problem. You know our team is solid, and we've got your back. Just don't start screening my calls."

"When have I ever screened your calls?" I shot back defensively.

Derek shrugged his usual grin back in place. "Hey, I'm used to dealing with the legendary Killian Kincaid blackout. Comes with the territory, right?" But his eyes softened, the unspoken understanding lingering between us. "Just... don't forget to check in now and then. You're not alone in this."

I rolled my eyes. "That was today. I am never disorganised; you know me long enough to confirm that." It was pure ego talking, and we both knew it. But even through our banter, Derek could see I was nearly drowning.

He eyed me, his face turning serious again. "I'm guessing you might need help on the hotel stuff too?" He bit his upper lip, watching me closely.

"Yes. Damn it, bro, I don't have a clue how to run a hotel business. And poor Kaleb—he's barely out of the digital world and already neck-deep in this mess." I rubbed my face and ran my hand through my hair, feeling the exhaustion settle.

Derek went quiet for a moment, his eyes softer. Then he spoke, his voice low. "You know... I was terrified this morning."

I looked up, alarmed. "What? Did our investors pull out?"

He shook his head, his expression grave. "No, man. I thought they were talking about you on the news, not Karlton."

His words hit me deeply, catching me off guard. I hadn't even thought about how he must have felt, hearing the news and assuming the worst.

This must've been what Sabrina felt earlier today, and I hadn't even reached out to Derek, the one friend who's been like a third brother to me.

I was speechless, watching as his eyes teared up. Without another word, I hugged him, gripping him tightly. Derek wasn't just a friend—he was family. I wouldn't have made it in this brutal world without him keeping me grounded.

I laughed, trying to shake off the heaviness. "You big sap. I'm not going anywhere."

Derek wiped his tears, chuckling. "Love your goddamn ass, bro."

I laughed, giving him a slap on the shoulder. "Ditto, bro. Ditto."

I clinked my glass against his, a silent promise, the way we'd always done when words felt too small. "You're a good friend, Derek."

"And don't you forget it," he said, raising his glass with a smirk. "Now, stop with the sappy crap before I start sobbing on this overpriced Martini."

I laughed, feeling a lightness return, even if just for a moment. "Alright, no more emotional messes. Back to business."

We clinked our glasses again, the faint echo of crystal on crystal filling the space between us. No matter how deep the chaos got, I knew I could count on Derek, just like he could count on me. And for now, that was enough.