Chapter 22 - Uninvited Shadows
News of Emily’s high-profile award and the expansion of the Grace Bennett Foundation traveled across state lines, catching the attention of the sensationalist media. While the general public celebrated Emily’s triumphs, a small tabloid published an unauthorized profile reviving the details of the tragedy from four years prior, sensationalizing Olivia Carter’s arrest and Eleanor Hayes’s fall from grace.
Alexander was sitting in his Toronto office reviewing foundation audit logs when Marcus Vance knocked on the door. Marcus’s face looked tense.
"Mr. Hayes, we have a minor issue," Marcus said, closing the door firmly behind him. "Two freelance paparazzi from New York have stationed themselves outside Mrs. Bennett’s architectural firm on Bay Street. They’ve been shouting questions at her staff regarding Miss Carter’s upcoming parole hearing."
Alexander’s jaw tightened, the old instinct to crush threats with overwhelming corporate force flaring up for a fraction of a second. But he quickly took a deep breath, centering himself. "Is Emily alright?"
"She walked past them without acknowledging their presence, sir," Marcus answered with deep admiration. "She notified building security and continued her client presentation. But they’ve filed a freedom-of-information request regarding the Ontario arts grant."
"They’re fishing for dirt where there is none," Alexander said, his voice cold and steady. "Marcus, contact our legal counsel in New York. Do not issue a public statement; that only feeds the tabloids. Instead, file an immediate emergency injunction against those specific freelancers under Ontario’s Protection Against Harassment statutes. Furthermore, ensure the parole board in Illinois receives our formal victim impact memorandum."
"Understood, sir," Marcus said, nodding. "And regarding Miss Carter’s parole hearing?"
Alexander looked at a framed photo on his desk showing Emily, Leo, and the bronze monument of Grace. "Olivia has served three years of her five-year sentence for attempted arson. The state board will make its determination based on her behavior in rehabilitation. We do not seek vengeance, Marcus. We only seek total, permanent separation. If she is released, our restraining orders are already cross-registered in all fifty states and Canada. If she steps within a mile of my family, she returns to prison. That is all."
May you like
Marcus smiled with genuine respect. "You handle these matters with remarkable wisdom now, Alexander."
"Anger is a waste of time, Marcus," Alexander replied softly. "I have a family to protect and a baby on the way. Shadows only have power if you turn away from the light to look at them."
