Chapter 7 - The Final Audit
The following morning, the financial news networks exploded with a headline that completely dominated every major broadcast across Wall Street and the Midwest: Vance Logistics Legacy Collapses: Federal Indictments Expand to Executive Co-Conspirators.
Inside the glass-walled executive boardroom on the fortieth floor of Blackwood Global Towers downtown, the atmosphere was a study in absolute control.
Victor Blackwood sat at the head of the obsidian conference table, reviewing a thick stack of federal seizure documents. Across from him sat Marcus Vance and a senior federal prosecutor named Amanda Sterling.
"The asset forfeiture is complete," Amanda said, sliding a final certified document across the table toward Victor. "Arthur Vance and his daughter Serena have been formally charged with grand larceny, wire fraud, identity falsification, and felony child endangerment. With the offshore accounts frozen and the domestic shell companies liquidated, they won't have access to a single dime for their defense."
"Good," Victor said, signing his name at the bottom of the document with a steady hand. "Make sure the prosecution presses for the maximum sentence under state and federal guidelines. I want no plea bargains."
"Consider it done," Amanda replied, standing up and shaking his hand. "And how is young Ethan doing?"
A faint, genuine smile finally touched the corners of Victor’s mouth—a rare expression that completely transformed his stern countenance. "His cast is off the soreness list, and according to Lily, he’s already back to destroying the living room with his toy trucks."
"Glad to hear it," Amanda smiled, gathering her briefcase and heading toward the private elevator.
When the heavy glass doors closed behind her, Marcus lingered near the edge of the table, looking at Victor with a respectful nod. "You handled that cleaner than any corporate takeover I’ve ever seen, boss."
"It wasn't a corporate takeover, Marcus," Victor said quietly, leaning back in his executive chair. "It was a rescue mission. And I nearly failed the most important part of it."
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"You didn't fail," Marcus countered. "You uncovered the rot before it destroyed the whole house. By the way... what are your plans regarding Lily? She’s currently acting as both private nurse and nanny, and Ethan has practically attached himself to her hip."
Victor was silent for a moment, looking out the floor-to-ceiling glass windows at the bustling city below. "Lily is the only reason my son survived that woman's cruelty. Her contract is being rewritten as we speak—indefinite tenure, full educational sponsorship for her younger brother, and a compensation package that reflects her true value to this family."
