Chapter 9 - The New Era
Six months later.
The 68th floor of Montalvo Global headquarters was unrecognizable.
The cold, oppressive atmosphere of intimidation and fear was completely gone. The opaque frosted glass doors had been replaced with clear, open panels. The executive floor was buzzing with energy, collaboration, and young analysts working alongside senior directors.
The executive elevator—the very one Claire had tried to banish entry-level staff from—was now open to every single employee in the building, regardless of their rank.
Maya had been promoted to Assistant Director of Operations, serving as my right-hand officer. David Chen led a thriving, transparent Internal Audit department that was considered the gold standard in corporate governance.
In federal court, Alexander Montalvo pled guilty to wire fraud, tax evasion, and corporate embezzlement. He was sentenced to twelve years in federal prison and ordered to pay full restitution.
Claire Reynolds received seven years for her role in the conspiracy and money laundering, her luxury assets stripped, including the white ceramic limited-edition watch, which was auctioned off by federal marshals to fund a scholarship for underprivileged business students.
Our divorce was finalized quietly and completely. I retained my full equity, my name, and total voting control over the company.
On a warm Tuesday morning, I arrived at headquarters at 8:00 AM.
I walked into the lobby wearing a simple, beautifully tailored dark green suit, carrying my work folder.
As I approached the elevators, the doors opened, and a nervous young female intern stood inside, holding a stack of mail. When she saw me step toward the car, she frantically tried to press the "door open" button, stepping back nervously against the wall.
"Good morning, CEO Montalvo!" she stammered, bowing her head slightly. "I... I can take the next elevator if you need privacy!"
I stepped into the elevator, turning around with a warm, genuine smile.
"Nonsense," I said gently, pressing the button for the 68th floor. "What's your name?"
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"Elena, ma'am. I just started in Logistics yesterday."
"Welcome to the team, Elena," I said as the doors smoothly closed. "And remember—in this company, everyone takes the same elevator."
