Chapter 9 - The Glass Reflection
Arthur walked toward the private executive elevator, but stopped near the floor-to-ceiling glass windows at the edge of the building.
The sun had completely set now. The city below was an infinite ocean of twinkling golden lights, stretching out to the dark horizon. The reflection in the glass showed the modern high-rise office—sleek, cold, and beautiful—but for the first time in six months, the atmosphere felt clear.
Maya Lin walked over, standing a respectful distance behind him, holding her lanyard in her hands.
"Mr. Vance?" she asked softly.
Arthur looked at her reflection in the glass. "Yes, Maya?"
"Why did you really do it?" she asked, her curiosity overriding her hesitation. "A man with your wealth could have sat in a penthouse in Monaco. You didn't have to push a mop for six months just to catch one corrupt director."
Arthur turned around, looking at the yellow mop bucket standing quietly in the middle of the aisle.
"When you sit at the top of a mountain for too long, Miss Lin," Arthur said quietly, "you forget what the valley looks like. You forget the dust, the cold, and the weight of the work. I came down here to find out if my company still had a soul."
He looked at her, his expression filled with a quiet, profound satisfaction.
"And tonight," he added, "I found it."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small silver key on a plain brass ring. He held it out to her.
"This is the key to the executive suite on the fiftieth floor," Arthur said. "Your new office. Clean out Eleanor’s mess tomorrow morning. Start fresh."
May you like
Maya took the key, her fingers brushing against his weathered hand. "Thank you, Mr. Vance."
"Don't thank me," Arthur smiled, his hazel eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thank your grandfather."
