Chapter 10 - Queen of the EmpireThree weeks later, the flag atop Callaway Tower flew at half-mast.
Roman Callaway passed away peacefully in his sleep at his private Westchester estate, leaving behind a meticulously executed last will and testament that stunned the legal and financial world.
Every single cent, property, and voting share belonging to Roman Callaway was transferred unconditionally to his wife: Evelyn Callaway.
The board of directors tried to contest the will, citing undue influence. They lasted precisely forty-eight hours before Evelyn released a comprehensive dossier detailing every single illegal kickback, offshore tax evasion scheme, and shady corporate buyout executed by the dissenting board members over the past decade.
Within two days, every single one of them resigned voluntarily.
On a crisp, clear Monday morning six months after that fateful night at the Grand Meridian Hotel, Evelyn stood on the private balcony of the top-floor executive suite of Callaway Tower.
Down below, the frantic, buzzing energy of Manhattan moved like clockwork. People rushed to and fro, trapped in their daily routines, completely unaware of the invisible hands pulling the strings of the city's financial heartbeat.
The glass door behind her slid open. Her personal assistant stepped out, holding a tablet.
"Mrs. Callaway, the federal prosecutor's office has just confirmed that Grant Callaway's plea deal has been finalized. Ten years in a maximum-security federal penitentiary, with no option for parole."
Evelyn took a sip of her black coffee, her reflection in the glass showing a woman who had once been a footnote in a wealthy man's life, and was now the undisputed monarch of the entire skyline.
"Let him rot," Evelyn said softly, her voice carrying across the wind.
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She turned away from the balcony, adjusting the diamond-encrusted cuffs of her jacket, and walked back into the boardroom to take her rightful seat at the head of the table.
💬 Reader Discussion Question (Drop your thoughts below! 👇)Do you think Evelyn should have shown mercy to Grant at the end, or did he finally get what he deserved after seven years of betrayal?
