Chapter 10 - THE AFTERMATH
The ensuing days were a whirlwind of federal depositions, corporate restructuring, and relentless media coverage. Marcus and the cartel operatives were indicted on over forty counts of federal racketeering and attempted murder. Miller & Co. was subjected to a brutal audit, but because I had brought the evidence forward and cooperated entirely, the company was allowed to survive under stringent federal oversight.
But none of the corporate chaos mattered to me. I spent every waking moment at Jackson Memorial.
A week after the shipyard shootout, Sarah was finally moved out of the ICU. The color had returned to her cheeks, and the haunted, terrified look in her eyes had been replaced by a quiet, profound relief.
I was sitting by her window, peeling an apple, when she finally asked the question that had been hanging between us.
“What happens now?” she asked softly, adjusting the blanket over her lap. “You have a company to save in Chicago. I have... well, I don't really have anything left in Miami.”
I stopped peeling, setting the knife down. I walked over to the edge of her bed, taking her hands in mine. “The company in Chicago is being run by a board of directors for the next year. I stepped down as CEO.”
Sarah’s eyes widened in shock. “Charles, you love that company. You built it.”
“I loved the idea of building things,” I corrected her, squeezing her fingers. “But I spent our entire marriage building skyscrapers while I let our own foundation crumble. I’m not making that mistake twice.”
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box. I hadn't bought a new ring. I had kept her original wedding band in my safe for three years, unable to let it go. I opened the box, the simple diamond catching the Florida sunlight.
“I didn't just fight a cartel to let you move on, Sarah. I’m staying in Miami. I’ll start over. We’ll start over. If you’ll have me.”
Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over her lashes as a radiant, breathless laugh escaped her lips. “You are the most stubborn man I have ever met.”
May you like
“Is that a yes?” I asked, my own vision blurring.
She reached out, wrapping her arms around my neck and burying her face in my shoulder. “Yes. God, yes.”
