Chapter 2
Malcolm continued. “Northstar’s investment will provide Aurelia Systems with the working capital necessary to stabilize operations, preserve jobs, and complete the software contracts already underway. Ms. Vance has also agreed to serve as chair of the newly restructured board.”
Applause began hesitantly, then grew stronger as people understood what it meant for their jobs. That was the moment the room changed. Their surprise became relief.
Aurelia’s employees were not applauding my marriage or my secrets. They were applauding the possibility that their salaries, mortgages, and plans might survive the company’s mistakes.
I stepped toward the microphone.
“I know this announcement is unexpected,” I said. “Some of you may be wondering why I chose to invest in Aurelia, especially after such a difficult year.”
Julian finally looked up.
I saw the question in his face. Why this company? Why now? Why had I done it without telling him?
The answer was complicated enough to require more than one sentence.
“Because I believe in the work being done here,” I continued. “And because a company is more than the people whose names appear on its executive page. It is the people who stay late to solve problems, who answer clients on weekends, who train new employees, and who keep showing up when circumstances would make leaving easier.”
A few employees nodded.
“I also believe that trust is not an abstract value. It is a practice. It has to be earned through transparency, accountability, and the willingness to correct mistakes before they become someone else’s burden.”
The ballroom quieted again.
Julian’s face had gone pale.
I did not look at him when I added, “That work begins tonight.”
When I stepped away from the microphone, the applause was louder. Not because everyone understood what I meant, but because they wanted to believe the announcement was a promise.
Malcolm joined me at the edge of the stage while general counsel Priya Shah and the forensic accountant, Daniel Cho, remained near the curtains.
Julian started toward us.
“Not here,” I said before he could speak.
He stopped. “You’ve been planning this behind my back?”
“I’ve been conducting a transaction.”
“You bought my company.”
“Northstar bought fifty-eight percent of Aurelia.”
“You’re my wife.”
“I’m aware.”
The words sounded colder than I intended, but I was tired of the way he used our marriage as though it gave him ownership of every decision I made.
Camilla came toward us next, though she kept her distance. She had removed the smugness from her face, but not the earrings.