Chapter 10 - The Last LaughDeep inside a federal correctional facility several states away, the television in the communal dayroom was playing a midday lifestyle segment.
An upbeat news anchor smiled brightly into the camera, broadcasting live from our town:
“...and we’re live here at Vance & Co. Bistro, celebrating its one-year anniversary as the state’s premier worker-owned culinary destination! We caught up with owner and founder Evelyn Vance to talk about her incredible journey of rebuilding from the ground up...”
On the screen, a crisp, elegant woman appeared. Her hair was styled with effortless grace, her posture was tall and proud, and her smile radiated genuine, unshakable confidence. She looked straight into the camera lens, speaking with absolute poise and authority about community, fairness, and true hard work.
Inmate #88412-054 sat frozen in a plastic chair near the back of the dayroom, staring blankly at the glowing screen.
He remembered calling her a pack mule. He remembered laughing in the courtroom, fully convinced that she would leave humiliated, broken, and empty-handed.
Now, sitting in a grey prison jumpsuit with his head bowed in total disgrace, Victor finally understood the terrifying truth of his own arrogance.
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She hadn't left empty-handed at all.
She had taken the whole world with her, leaving him with nothing but the deafening echo of his own laughter.
