Chapter 11 - THE DAY MARCUS CHOSE HIS MOTHER
The investigation reached a turning point in December.
Financial records and witness testimony supported allegations that Liam and Camille had conspired to obtain control of the foundation's patent portfolio through fraudulent documents and coercion.
Charges followed.
Both retained attorneys.
Both contested parts of the case.
The proposed transfer was blocked.
The foundation's governing structure remained intact.
And the board adopted stronger safeguards to prevent any future attempt to bypass independent oversight.
But the greatest change happened inside the Vance family.
Marcus began spending real time with his mother.
Not brief visits between meetings.
Not phone calls while walking through airports.
Actual time.
They ate breakfast together.
Listened to old recordings of Thomas playing piano.
Visited the museum.
And talked about things that had nothing to do with business.
One afternoon, Margaret asked Marcus to take her to the original workshop.
He agreed.
They walked slowly through the old building.
Margaret touched the workbench.
Her fingers moved over the worn wood.
“Your father built his first prototype here,” she whispered.
Marcus smiled.
“I remember.”
She shook her head.
“No, sweetheart. You were three.”
He laughed.
“Then I remember the stories.”
Margaret smiled.
“Your father used to work until midnight. I'd bring him soup.”
Marcus looked at her.
“Soup?”
She nodded.
“Terrible soup. I was never much of a cook.”
He laughed.
Then she became serious.
“Marcus, promise me something.”
“Anything.”
“Don't build a company so large that you forget the people standing beside you.”
He swallowed.
“I won't.”
Margaret touched his face.
“You're a good man.”
He closed his eyes.
“I haven't always been.”
“No.”
She smiled sadly.
“But you're learning.”
That evening, Marcus called me.
“How is Lucia?”
“Better. The doctors are cautiously optimistic.”
He smiled.
“Good.”
Then he hesitated.
“Maya, I've been thinking about what you said.”
“Which part?”
“About not dating your employer.”
I laughed softly.
“Yes?”
He took a breath.
“Would you consider moving into a role outside my household?”
I frowned.
“Marcus.”
“Not because I want to date you. Because you've been talking about returning to hospital nursing, and I think you should have that opportunity.”
I stared at him.
He continued.
“You deserve a career that belongs to you.”
I smiled.
“Thank you.”
Three weeks later, I accepted a position at a neurological rehabilitation center.
May you like
I moved into an apartment with Lucia.
And for the first time in nine months, Marcus Vance was no longer my employer.
