Chapter 9 - Building a New Foundation
With Robert facing twenty years in federal prison, the poison was finally completely removed from our lives.
Julian didn't just return to my life; he stepped fully into his destiny. The board unanimously voted to appoint him as the new Chief Operating Officer. He took to the role immediately, bringing fresh, modern ideas to the company that revitalized our entire portfolio.
But business was secondary to what truly mattered.
I bought a sprawling estate just outside the city, complete with a massive backyard, a private fishing pond, and a state-of-the-art treehouse.
It was Saturday afternoon. I was sitting on the back patio, sipping a glass of iced tea, watching Julian teach Leo how to throw a baseball.
"Keep your elbow up, buddy," Julian encouraged, tossing the ball gently.
Leo threw it back, a massive, carefree smile on his face. The worn-out, freezing boy from the Chicago streets was gone. He was healthy, enrolled in a wonderful private school, and thriving.
"Grandpa! Watch this!" Leo yelled, winding up and throwing the ball as hard as he could.
I caught it cleanly in my leather mitt. "Great arm, kiddo!" I cheered.
Julian walked over to the patio and sat down beside me, wiping sweat from his brow. He looked at his son, his eyes filled with profound gratitude.
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"I never thought we'd have this," Julian said quietly.
"Neither did I," I admitted. "But we are never going to lose it again."
