*1 TIPS is an acronym for transhepatic intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Try saying that five times fast.

*2 Cantonese for “too fitting.”

*3 Barbecued roast pork and wonton noodles.

9

RIDOUT ROAD

SINGAPORE

Astrid turned on her laptop and composed an e-mail:

Dear Charlie,

Sorry to keep bothering you like this, but I need to ask another favor. Wondering if you can help me get to the bottom of something…

What do you know about Promenade Technologies? Based in Mountain View, CA? Have you ever worked with them before? They acquired Michael’s first company—Cloud Nine Solutions. I need to find out more about this company; specifically, who the people are that own it.

Thanks!

xo, Astrid

She sent the e-mail, and one minute later, Charlie popped up on Google Chat.

CW: Hey! Happy to look into this for you.

ALT: Really appreciate your help.

CW: Any special reason why?

ALT: Trying to get some answers for myself. Have you heard of them?

CW: Yes. But doesn’t Michael know everything you’d need to know?

ALT: Apparently not. Do you know if they are fully owned or partially owned by some Asian conglomerate?

CW: What’s going on, Astrid?

Astrid paused for a few minutes, not sure whether she was prepared to get into it with Charlie about everything that had happened with Michael.

ALT: I’m trying to help Michael get to the truth. It’s a bit complicated…don’t want to drag you into it.

CW: I’m already in it. But okay, I won’t press further. But if you really want my help, it would be better if I had the big picture.

She sat on the edge of her bed, thinking, What do I have to hide from Charlie? He’s the only person who will understand.

ALT: Okay, here goes. Michael’s gotten it into his head that my father—or someone at one of the companies controlled by my family—actually bought Cloud Nine Solutions, using Promenade as a cover.

CW: Why would he suddenly think that?

ALT: Long story, but basically he came across some old papers listing the buyer as Pebble Beach Holding Company, and knowing how much my dad loves golfing there, he’s made this huge assumption.

CW: Sorry to state the obvious, but did you ask your dad if he bought the company?

ALT: I did. And of course he denied it. “Why the bloody hell would I want Michael’s company? I thought it was absurdly overvalued to begin with.”

CW: Classic Harry Leong!

ALT: Indeed.

CW: I don’t think your father has anything to do with this, but would it really matter if he does?

ALT: Are you kidding? Michael’s story has always been that he made it on his own. This suspicion that my family had something to do with his success is driving him up the wall. He thinks my father is trying yet again to control him, control us, etc. We had the biggest fight ever last night.

CW: Sorry to hear that.

ALT: I ended up leaving the house. It was either that or call the police. I’m now at the Marina Bay Sands hotel.