THE ORPHAN’S BARGAIN

The next morning, the sun broke through the heavy winter clouds, casting a brilliant golden light over the snowy streets of Pittsburgh.

Elliot had convened a special meeting of the Whitaker Financial Board of Directors. They sat around the massive mahogany table, murmuring nervously about David’s sudden arrest and the wild rumors of gunfights.

Elliot walked into the boardroom. He didn't wear his usual ruthless scowl. He looked calm. Centered.

“Gentlemen,” Elliot said, taking his seat at the head of the table. “Effective immediately, David is terminated. I am promoting Marcus to Head of Operations.”

A murmur of shock rippled through the suits.

“Furthermore,” Elliot continued, ignoring them, “I am restructuring my personal portfolio. Whitaker Financial will be launching a new philanthropic division. We are going to fund shelters, debt-relief programs, and legal aid for families trapped by predatory lending in this city. It will be endowed with one hundred million dollars of my personal shares.”

The Chairman of the board stood up, appalled. “Elliot, this is madness! You can’t just—”

“I own fifty-one percent of the voting stock, Richard,” Elliot said coldly. “I can do whatever I damn well please. The meeting is adjourned.”

Elliot walked out of the boardroom, leaving a trail of stunned executives in his wake. He took the elevator back up to the penthouse.

Sarah, Maddie, and Rosie were eating breakfast at the dining table. Maddie was successfully ensuring no bacon was going to waste.

Elliot sat down opposite them. He looked at Sarah.

“Sarah,” Elliot began, folding his hands. “I am a man who deals in investments. And right now, my biggest investment is ensuring this family thrives. I have an estate outside the city. It has a guesthouse. I want you and the girls to move in.”

Sarah’s eyes widened. “Mr. Whitaker... we couldn't—”

“It’s not charity,” Elliot interrupted. “I need a property manager for the estate. Someone I can trust. And,” he looked at Maddie, “I promised a certain someone a job. There are a lot of tables to wipe at the estate.”

Maddie stopped chewing. She looked at her mother, then at Elliot. Slowly, a bright, genuine smile broke across the little girl’s face. It was the first time Elliot had seen her truly look like a child.