I looked around the room, making eye contact with each board member.

“We have successfully restructured the debt.”

“The federal investigation into the previous management is closed.”

“Our focus now is operational efficiency and transparency.”

An older board member cleared his throat.

“And what about the family’s remaining shares?” he asked.

“They have been placed into an irrevocable trust,” I said.

“The sole beneficiaries of that trust are Leo, Owen, and Wyatt Vance.”

“They will assume control when they reach the age of twenty-five.”

“Until then, I will manage the trust.”

There were no objections.

The board members nodded, some with relief, others with quiet resignation.

They knew there was no other choice.

After the meeting, I stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of my new office.

The city of Chicago stretched out below me, a grid of stone and steel.

The rain had stopped, and the sun was beginning to break through the clouds.

My phone buzzed on the desk.

I picked it up and saw a video call from Mrs. Gable, the nanny.

I pressed the screen, and the faces of my three boys appeared.