Chapter 10 - The Midpoint Reckoning
By sunrise, the news of Victor Vance's arrest for corporate espionage and theft dominated national financial headlines.
In the aftermath, Antoine summoned Ethan back to the executive penthouse for a private meeting.
Ethan walked in wearing a clean shirt, standing tall with an aura of quiet confidence that had been completely absent weeks prior.
Antoine sat behind his desk, sliding a crisp white document across the polished wood surface.
'Your debt is officially paid in full, Ethan,' Antoine said calmly. 'In fact, your warehouse wages have accumulated a tidy sum.'
Ethan looked at the document, then up at Antoine. 'Does this mean I'm fired?'
'Not unless you want to be,' Antoine replied. 'We have an opening in our corporate logistics department. Entry level, but with actual potential.'
Ethan was stunned. 'Why would you trust me after everything?'
'Because character is forged in the fire, Ethan. You stared down a criminal syndicate and chose truth over self-preservation,' Antoine said firmly. 'That's rare.'
'I accept,' Ethan said without hesitation, shaking Antoine's hand firmly.
As Ethan stepped out of the office into his new life, he felt truly wealthy for the first time-not in possessions, but in integrity.
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However, unknown to them both, Victor Vance had posted bail through offshore accounts and was plotting a devastating revenge.
The stage was set for an explosive second half of the corporate war.
