Chapter 11 - The Citadel Restructured
The transformation of Bennett Capital did not happen in the sterile boardrooms of London or New York, but in the systemic overhaul of its corporate culture. Over the next six months, Leo utilized his voting power to dismantle the draconian operational protocols that had governed the company's subsidiary properties for decades.
In the newly renovated lobby of the Midtown Tower—formerly Apex Vanguard—the cold, black marble floors were replaced with warm, textured sandstone. The oppressive security presence was dismantled, replaced by community engagement liaison teams trained to assist displaced individuals seeking shelter during severe weather events.
Sitting in the glass-walled office that had once belonged to Arthur Pendelton, Leo reviewed the quarterly impact reports. Over four thousand families had been placed into transitional housing funded by the newly established Thomas Vance Memorial Trust.
A soft knock sounded at the door. Walter Bennett walked in, using a hand-carved wooden cane. Though his health had stabilized, the winter spent in hiding had left his frame thin and fragile.
"You're working late," Walter noted, resting his hands on the top of his cane.
"The board is trying to block the funding for the Chicago shelter project," Leo said, turning his monitor toward the old man. "They claim it reduces dividend yields by point-two percent."
"And how will you respond?" Walter asked, a faint smile touching his lips.
May you like
"I've already called an emergency shareholder proxy vote for tomorrow morning," Leo replied smoothly. "If they vote against the shelter, I will exercise the trust's right to liquidate their regional division."
Walter chuckled, a warm, resonant sound. "You learn quickly, Leo."
