Chapter 170: Classes.
The sun had shifted in the sky by the time John Terry made his second call that day. It was late afternoon, and the warmth of the sunlight was beginning to mellow, casting golden streaks across the Philadelphia skyline.
Lukas, still lounging in his hotel suite, had been absentmindedly flipping through channels when his phone buzzed again. Seeing John’s name, he answered.
"John? Everything alright?"
"Yes, Mr. Lukas," John said, his tone far more relaxed than earlier. "Just wanted to give you a follow-up. Our back office has completed the verification process. All funds from your deposit have been cleared."
Lukas leaned forward, suddenly alert. "Everything went through?"
"Yes, sir. After final tallies, your current balance now sits at $101,660,000. The earlier credit has been fully resolved. You are officially out of debt."
Lukas chuckled, his shoulders easing with visible relief. "That’s good to hear. Thanks for being thorough, John."
"Always, sir. And, uh... I should mention—I’m in Princeton for the next few days. If you’d like to meet in person, perhaps review some private investment options?"
"Noted. I’ll reach out if I stay in town longer," Lukas said. "Appreciate the call."
"Anytime, Mr. Lukas. Enjoy your evening."
The call ended, and Lukas placed his phone down on the bedside table. A deep sigh escaped him.
The financial tightrope he’d walked since the morning now felt like a distant memory. The number echoed in his mind like a lullaby—over one hundred million dollars.