Chapter 9 - The Final SeveranceThe next morning, the headlines of the financial papers were dominated by my success. Vanguard Enterprises Acquires Rival Firm. Saraphina Vance Named Most Powerful Woman on Wall Street.
Below the fold was a tiny, insignificant article: Former Executive Caldwell Vance Arrested for Unpaid Debts and Disorderly Conduct.
I sat in my penthouse overlooking Central Park, drinking my morning coffee. Thaddius was on the phone, giving me the final legal update.
"He's bankrupt, Saraphina. He tried to take out loans with loan sharks and defaulted. He's facing a few months in county jail, and when he gets out, he'll be working minimum wage to pay off the interest."
"And Eleanor?"
"Fired from the grocery store for yelling at a customer. She’s moving into a state-assisted living facility."
"Good," I said, setting down my mug. "Close the files, Thaddius. I don't want to hear their names ever again."
May you like
"Done. Oh, and Julian Sterling called. He wants to know if you're still on for dinner tonight at Le Bernardin."
I smiled, a genuine, light feeling fluttering in my chest. "Tell him I wouldn't miss it."
