Chapter 9 - The Final Audit
Six months later, the Boston financial press had completely forgotten about the Marsh family. The Marsh Media company had been absorbed into Callaway Freight's digital logistics division, its old headquarters turned into a community center for underprivileged children funded by a private Callaway foundation.
Vivien Marsh had moved to a small town in upstate New York, her name a cautionary tale in the high-society circles she had once tried to rule.
In the grand ballroom of the Callaway estate, the heavy silk curtains were pulled back to let the summer afternoon light flood the marble floor. There were no charity galas today. There were no politicians or cameras.
Instead, the room was filled with low tables, balloons, and thirty children from the local Boston daycare centers.
It was Lily’s half-birthday party—a celebration Nathaniel insisted on because "three and a half is a very important age."
Grace stood by the window, wearing a simple cream-colored dress that made her look radiant. Her hair was up, but a few loose curls had escaped around her neck. She was watching Lily run across the marble floor with five other kids, the restored rabbit tucked firmly under her arm.
Nathaniel walked up behind her, sliding his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his chest. He rested his chin on her shoulder.
"The audit is complete," he whispered.
"What audit?" she asked, turning her head slightly to smile at him.
"The house audit," he said. "The compliance manager reports that the mansion is no longer cold. The windows have been sealed against the February wind. And the staff cottages are being converted into guest houses because the family is moving into the main building permanently."
Grace turned around in his arms, her hands resting on his chest, right over his steady heart. "Is that a corporate directive, Mr. Callaway?"
"It’s a proposal," he said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black velvet box. He didn't open it yet. He just held it between them. "An alignment of assets. A long-term contract based on shared values, character... and love. What do you think, Grace?"
May you like
Grace looked at the box, then up at the man who had torn down a dynasty just to protect her daughter’s tears.
"I think the compliance manager approves," she whispered.
