There's a pretty big gap between "happily retired with enough money to not be worried" and having zero interest in ever getting more money regardless of the rat

There's a pretty big gap between "happily retired with enough money to not be worried" and having zero interest in ever getting more money regardless of the rate. After a decade a happily retired person who left amicably and didn't hate their job might even enjoy a short-term contract if you can isolate them from all the petty annoyances that come with a normal job. Charlie leaving the country shouldn't be a dealbreaker either unless you literally have tried to track them down and couldn't. If the long-gone ex-employees hated their employer and would be happy to see if go out of business then you're in quite a bit more trouble.