The screen of my encrypted phone glowed against the dark marble of the pantry, casting a cold blue hue over June’s terrified face. The name at the bottom of the electronic payment voucher wasn’t a low-level clerk’s. It belonged to Marcus Vance—my chief operating officer, my shadow, the man who had managed my corporate portfolio and personal life for over a decade.

The room was empty now, save for two people.

June stood by the floor-to-ceiling glass, looking out over the sprawling Chicago skyline that glittered with thousands of waking lights. The faded thread bracelet with the initials L and M was clearly visible around her wrist as she rested her hand against the cool glass.

"Your mother, Lila, and Micah are settled into the penthouse suite upstairs," I said quietly, walking over and handing her a thick, embossed leather folder. "I’ve transferred full ownership of Blackwell Domestic Services into a trust managed directly by you. The back-pay owed to every single employee Marcus skimmed from has been calculated and deposited with triple interest."

June looked down at the folder, then slowly up at me. Her eyes weren't fearful anymore; they held a deep, unshakeable strength.

"What happens to the agency now?" she asked softly.

"We rebuild it," I replied, leaning against the glass beside her. "Starting tomorrow, no one working under my roof—or inside any company bearing my name—will ever have to wonder where their next meal is coming from."

June offered a faint, genuine smile—the first real smile I had seen touch her face since I found her on the pantry floor.