Chapter 10 - A New Beginning
Three months later, the Bennett Cold Logistics empire was stronger than ever.
Marcus had been sentenced to thirty years in federal prison without the possibility of parole.
The stolen money sitting in the charity foundation had been used to build five new community centers in Atlanta.
Darius had officially stepped down as the sole CEO, choosing to split the role with a trusted board member.
He wanted to spend his time where it actually mattered.
The Georgia sun beat down warmly on the newly rebuilt Rooted South Produce farm.
Darius stood in the dirt wearing jeans and work boots, helping his son pack fresh peaches into a wooden crate.
"You are doing it wrong, Dad," Leo giggled, adjusting a bruised peach.
"I am a billionaire logistics expert, I think I know how to pack a box," Darius teased, tickling the boy's ribs.
Leo laughed uncontrollably, a sound that healed every broken piece of Darius's soul.
Nia walked out of the newly constructed farmhouse holding a pitcher of sweet tea.
She looked radiant, free from the heavy burdens she had carried for so long.
Evelyn was sitting on the wide porch in a rocking chair, happily directing the farmhands on how to properly stack tomatoes.
Darius walked over to his wife and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her softly.
"Have I told you how much I love this life?" he asked, resting his forehead against hers.
"You tell me every single morning," she smiled, pouring him a glass of tea.
They sat together on the porch steps, watching their son chase a butterfly through the fields.
They had survived the lies, the betrayal, and the violence.
They had finally found the peace they both desperately deserved.
It was a perfect, quiet afternoon.
Then, the antique telephone inside the farmhouse began to ring.
Darius walked inside and picked up the receiver casually.
An automated voice spoke over the line, sending a sudden chill down his spine.
"You have a collect call from a federal maximum-security penitentiary," the operator stated.
"Press one to accept a call from inmate Caleb Grant."
Darius froze, his blood turning to ice as he realized the auditor he thought was dead had been alive this entire time.
May you like
He pressed one, and a raspy, terrified voice whispered through the phone.
"Marcus was just a pawn, Darius, the real boss knows about your son, and they are coming for him tonight."
