Part 27
The fallout from the Vanguard takeover dominated the global news cycle for three straight weeks.
Damian Croft was denied bail, facing decades in federal prison for his hazardous materials smuggling operation.
But the real story was what Marcus Johnson did with the massive logistics empire he had violently conquered.
He didn't sell it off for parts or liquidate the assets for a quick billion-dollar profit.
Instead, Maya was flown in to completely overhaul the human resources department from the ground up.
Within forty-eight hours, quotas were abolished, mandatory paid rest breaks were instituted, and wages were doubled across the board.
The shell clinics were shut down, replaced by premium, fully funded healthcare plans for every single frontline worker.
Marcus sat in his private jet, flying back to his estate, staring out the window at the clouds below.
He was physically exhausted, running on coffee and a few hours of sleep, but his mind felt clearer than it had in years.
His phone buzzed on the armrest. It was a video call from Thomas.
Marcus answered, instantly smiling as Zoe’s bright face filled the screen.
"Daddy! Did you fix the big building?" she asked, holding her teddy bear up to the camera.
"I did, princess," Marcus said, feeling the immense weight of the corporate war lift from his shoulders. "I fixed the big building."
"Can you come home now? We're making cookies, and Thomas said I can't use the big mixer without you."
In the background, Thomas gave a dignified, albeit slightly frantic, nod of confirmation.
"I'm on my way, Zoe. I'll be home in an hour," Marcus promised.
He hung up the phone, leaning his head back against the leather seat.
He had just reshaped a vital pillar of the global supply chain, saving thousands of workers from systemic abuse.
May you like
But all that mattered in this exact moment was getting home to bake cookies with his daughter.
Because she was the reason he was fighting to build a better world in the first place.
