Chapter 17 - The New EmpireThree weeks later, the front-page headlines of every major financial and political newspaper across the country read: FALL OF THE VANGUARD: HARBOR KING RECLAIMS EMPIRE.
The articles detailed the sweeping federal indictments of the mayor, corporate executives, and corrupt medical officials involved in the hospital conspiracy. Viktor and Julian were locked away in maximum-security federal penitentiaries, facing life without parole.
And me?
I wasn't just the Harbor King anymore. I was a father.
Sitting behind the massive obsidian desk in my grand study, I reviewed the final restructuring documents for Marino Global Industries. The corrupt shell companies had been dismantled, their assets liquidated and redirected into public housing projects in the lower districts—starting with the very neighborhood where Lily and Leo had grown up.
Marcus knocked softly on the open study door before stepping inside.
"Mr. Marino. Director Hayes is on line one. He wants confirmation on the final asset forfeiture transfer."
"Tell him it's approved," I said, not looking up from the documents. "Every last cent from the Vanguard accounts goes straight into the city foundation."
"Done," Marcus said, starting to turn, then hesitating. "Sir? There's someone downstairs asking to see you."
I paused, looking up. "Who?"
May you like
"Sister Margaret. From St. Jude’s orphanage in the lower district. She says she has something belonging to Audrey that never made it to the hospital."
My heart skipped a beat. "Send her up immediately."
