Chapter 15 - The New Era of Apex-Montgomery
Three years passed in a blur of unprecedented triumph and quiet healing.
The corporate world had learned to speak the name Apex-Montgomery with cautious respect. Under my leadership, the firm expanded into international tech logistics, sustainable energy development, and high-end real estate. We didn't just inherit the old Montgomery portfolio; we completely redefined it, stripping away the rotting aristocratic pretension and replacing it with relentless innovation and ethical corporate governance.
Liam, Noah, and Caleb were now eight years old. They had grown tall, athletic, and fiercely protective of one another, inheriting not just their father’s striking features, but my relentless drive and work ethic. They attended a prestigious private academy in downtown Chicago, where they excelled in academics, debate, and soccer, completely unfazed by the immense wealth surrounding them because I had raised them to understand the value of earning every single victory.
On a bright, crisp autumn morning, I sat at my executive desk on the 50th floor of our newly constructed corporate headquarters—a towering glass monolith that overlooked Lake Michigan and the entire Chicago skyline.
Marcus walked into my office, holding a sleek digital tablet, wearing a satisfied smile.
"Maya, the final quarterly reports are in. Our sustainable tech division just crossed a three-billion-dollar valuation milestone. And the board has unanimously voted to expand our European operations into London and Frankfurt."
I smiled, signing a stack of digital contracts with a flick of my stylus. "Make sure the compliance teams review every single subsidiary before we make a move. I don't want any loose ends."
"Handled," Marcus said, pausing near the door. "By the way... there's someone downstairs in the public lobby asking to see you. Refuses to leave until they speak with you personally."
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I paused, looking up from my tablet. "Who is it? Another journalist looking for a profile piece on the 'Queen of Chicago'?"
"No," Marcus said quietly, his expression turning serious. "It's Ethan."
