Chapter 10 - The Horizon
The sun broke through the heavy Chicago cloud cover as I stepped out of the grand granite doors of the federal courthouse, descending the wide stone steps into the crisp autumn air.
Marcus Vance walked beside me, slipping his tablet back into his briefcase with a satisfied smile.
“Well, Clara,” Marcus said, glancing over at me. “That wraps up the final legal loose end of the Sterling portfolio liquidation. The assets have been fully integrated, the structural restructuring is complete, and Aethelgard Holdings is currently positioned as the primary commercial stakeholder in the downtown district.”
I paused at the bottom of the steps, looking out across the bustling plaza where thousands of people hurried past, chasing their dreams, building their lives, and writing their own stories.
“Good,” I said simply, adjusting the collar of my coat. “Make sure the foundation grant for the new domestic abuse shelter in our former estate property is fully funded by the end of the week.”
“Consider it done,” Marcus replied, nodding respectfully. “What’s your next move, CEO? Paris for the international design summit? Or Singapore for the tech expansion?”
I smiled, pulling a sleek leather sketchbook from my bag and holding it securely against my chest.
May you like
“Neither, Marcus,” I said, looking up toward the clear blue sky where an airplane traced a clean, white line across the horizon. “First, I’m going to my studio. I have a brand-new collection to design, and this time... I’m drawing every single line myself.”
Without looking back at the courthouse, I turned and walked down the cobblestone sidewalk, stepping confidently into a future that was entirely, beautifully mine.
