Chapter 17 - Whispers in the Boardroom
Three months later, the Mercer-Kincaid Development Group had expanded its operations across three states, becoming the gold standard for sustainable urban architecture and community-focused real estate development.
In the executive penthouse on a humid August afternoon, Natalie sat at her desk reviewing the architectural blueprints for their next major project—a massive waterfront redevelopment along the shores of Lake Michigan that would incorporate green energy grids and public parks accessible to all Chicagoans.
The heavy glass door clicked open, and Rachel walked in, carrying a fresh printout of the latest quarterly financial statements. Her face wore an expression of intense satisfaction.
"Well, the board meeting is officially adjourned," Rachel announced, dropping the heavy binder onto Natalie’s desk. "And for the record, every single resolution passed unanimously. Even Henderson voted for the community reinvestment fund without complaining about profit margins."
Natalie smiled, leaning back in her chair and resting her chin on her hand. "People are surprisingly willing to embrace ethics when it comes packaged with a thirty percent annual return."
"It’s not just the returns, Natalie. It’s the brand," Rachel said, pulling out a chair and sitting down opposite her. "You’ve become a corporate icon. The Wall Street Journal is running a three-page feature on you next Monday, dubbing you 'The Queen of Ethical Real Estate.' And get this—the mayor's office just called. They want to nominate you for the Chicago Civic Leadership Award."
Natalie chuckled softly, shaking her head. "A civic award? Me? Five years ago, my biggest civic contribution was hosting charity galas where I stood in the corner wearing expensive jewelry while Grant worked the room."
"That was another lifetime ago," Rachel said softly, her voice turning serious. "Speaking of past lives... I heard some news about your ex-husband’s trial today."
Natalie’s smile faded slightly, replaced by a calm, neutral expression. "Go on."
"The federal judge handed down the sentencing this morning," Rachel said, watching Natalie closely for any sign of emotional turbulence. "Victor Vance got fifteen years in a federal penitentiary with no parole. And Grant... because he cooperated with the prosecution and turned over the remaining offshore paper trail to shorten his own sentence, the judge gave him five years."
Natalie absorbed the news in silence. There was no surge of triumph, no bitter vindication, and certainly no grief. Just the quiet, heavy closure of a chapter that had taken years of pain to finish writing.
"Five years in a federal facility," Natalie murmured, looking out the window at the brilliant summer sky over Lake Michigan. "I hope he uses the time to learn how to build something real with his own hands, instead of trying to tear down everyone else's."
"He'll have plenty of time to think about it," Rachel agreed, standing up and smoothing down her skirt. "Now, are we going to celebrate properly tonight, or are you going to stay here staring at blueprints until midnight like a workaholic monk?"
May you like
Natalie laughed, standing up and grabbing her designer leather handbag from the desk. "Lead the way, Rach. I think the Queen of Ethical Real Estate has earned a martini."
***
