Chapter 9 - The New Horizon
Six months later, the Baltimore Harbor was alive with renewed industrial energy.
The Vance Family Shipyards—now rebranded as Vance Maritime Global—had undergone a massive restructuring. Under Rosalind’s executive leadership and Tobias’s technological oversight, the company had transitioned into a leader in eco-friendly maritime logistics, cutting ties with every corrupt contractor and shell corporation the Vances had historically relied upon.
On a bright, breezy Friday morning, Rosalind stood on the observation deck of the corporate headquarters, reviewing the quarterly financial audit.
The numbers were staggering. Profits were up thirty percent, employee satisfaction ratings had soared under the new worker-first policies, and the family name had been entirely rehabilitated from the scandals of the past.
The office door opened, and Tobias walked in carrying a sleek titanium tablet.
“You’re going to want to see this,” Tobias said, a rare, amused grin playing at the corners of his mouth.
“What is it?” Rosalind asked, looking up from her desk.
“The federal marshals just processed Garrett’s intake appeal at the maximum-security facility,” Tobias replied, tapping the screen. “Apparently, he tried to cut a deal with prison authorities by offering to expose minor associates in exchange for protective custody.”
Rosalind raised an eyebrow. “And?”
“And the associates found out,” Tobias chuckled dryly. “He’s currently spending twenty-three hours a day in solitary confinement in the lowest security tier, terrified of his own shadow. No phone privileges, no visitors, no luxuries.”
May you like
Rosalind looked back out the window toward the towering cargo cranes working in the harbor. She felt no pity, no anger, and no satisfaction—only a profound, indifferent calm. Garrett was simply a chapter finished in a book she had long since stopped reading.
“Let him rot,” Rosalind said quietly. “We have ships to build.”
