The startup I worked has closed, I want to keep working

I start working as freelancer for an small startup that this week closed due lack of money.

We were building a complex and big management system that I'm really confident on the success of the idea but recently I receive an email saying that all the team have to stop working because a big client withdraw his intention to buy the service, and the owner was not able to keep the payroll of the team anymore.

I really like the staff and the owner I feel responsible for this the outcome, It will be different If I was capable to finish the release on time.

I ask HN about the intention I have to keep working on this, I profoundly feel the urge to ask the owner to allow me keep working on the project without pay. I review my current situation and I known I can last two months just fine if I don't receive payment. My idea is to finish the MVP and giving the project the opportunity to find another client without expending more money.

I just start writing an email to them about this idea, and don't feel I'm doing it right, I want them to say yes.

The status of the project is 60% done, surely it can be finish in less that two months.

The project manager write a flattering email introducing me for a position in another company. I known the Owner and PM really want to keep going, but I known also because of their work ethics doesn't want to me to work without being paid.

I ask HN, how can I propose to keep working on the project and give this another opportunity to success.