Chapter 8 - Echoes in the Glass
Six months later, the spring sun cast a warm, golden glow across the Manhattan skyline, washing the glass facade of Hale Global Industries in brilliant light.
Victoria stood on the private stone terrace of her penthouse suite, a cup of fresh green tea in her hand, watching the steady hum of traffic move across the bridges below. The city was thriving, the corporation was expanding into new international markets, and the dark chapter of her marriage felt like a distant, faded memory.
Her phone buzzed on the glass table beside her. She picked it up and saw a text message from Benjamin Shaw.
“Financial audit complete. All legacy Mercer accounts closed and archived. The transition is officially closed.”
Victoria smiled faintly, locking the screen and setting the phone down.
May you like
She walked back inside, pausing briefly in front of the grand living room mirror. For years, Julian had stared into mirrors, worshiping his own reflection and believing that the glass belonged to him. He had spent his life chasing symbols, titles, and applause, never realizing that true strength doesn't need a spotlight to prove it exists.
She adjusted the collar of her silk blouse, turned away from the reflection, and walked toward the double doors where a new day of building her empire awaited.
