Chapter 7 - The Empty Studio
Two weeks later, the municipal auction of Lauren’s event planning business took place in an industrial warehouse near the West Loop.
The city had seized every asset belonging to Lauren Hayes Events LLC to satisfy tax liens and employee wage claims.
Maya and I stood near the loading docks, watching the auctioneer work through the catalog of luxury party decor, vintage velvet couches, and custom floral stands.
Many of the employees Maya had tried to protect were there, waiting for their unpaid paychecks to be distributed from the morning’s cash receipts.
One of the lead caterers, a middle-aged woman named Rosa, recognized Maya and walked over with a warm, sympathetic smile.
"Mrs. Vance," Rosa said softly, taking Maya’s hand between both of hers.
Maya looked down, her cheeks burning with residual guilt.
"Rosa, I'm so sorry... I thought the money I gave her was paying your salaries."
"We know, sweetheart," Rosa said gently, patting Maya’s fingers. "The police told us everything. Lauren was keeping the cash for herself while telling us the bank had placed holds on our paycards."
Rosa reached into her apron pocket and pulled out a small, framed photo.
It was a picture taken at Maya and my wedding eight years ago: Maya and Rosa laughing together in the prep kitchen while fixing a collapsed sugar flower on our wedding cake.
"You were always kind to the kitchen crew, Maya," Rosa said. "Lauren was the one who treated us like dirt. Don't you carry her sins on your shoulders."
Tears welled in Maya’s eyes, but for the first time in two weeks, they weren't tears of shame.
They were tears of release.
"Thank you, Rosa," Maya whispered.
When the auction concluded, I spoke with the bankruptcy receiver.
Using a small portion of the recovered investment interest, I purchased thirty thousand dollars worth of commercial kitchen equipment and catering vans from the auction block.
"What are you doing with those, Daniel?" Maya asked, watching the receiver stamp the bills of sale.
"I’m signing the titles over to Rosa and the senior catering staff," I answered, turning to her. "They lost their livelihoods because of a criminal syndicate. This way, they can start their own cooperative and keep every dollar they earn."
Maya looked at me, her eyes shining with deep, reverent emotion.
She stepped forward, wrapping both arms around my neck and burying her face against my collarbone.
"You have your father's heart, Daniel," she whispered.
May you like
"My father taught me that money is only useful if it builds something honest," I replied, holding her tightly against my chest.
Behind us, Rosa and her crew let out cheers of joy as the keys to the delivery vans were handed over, transforming the scene of Lauren’s grand deceit into the foundation of six honest new beginnings.
