Chapter 12 - The Ghost's Gift
Two years later, on a quiet Sunday afternoon, Leo sat in the library of the Bennett estate in upstate New York. High oak bookshelves stretched to the ceiling, filled with leather-bound volumes on architecture, ethics, and civil engineering.
On the desk before him lay an old, weathered brown canvas bag—the same bag Walter had carried on that cold November afternoon in the lobby.
Walter had passed away peacefully three days prior, leaving the remainder of his estate and his personal journals to Leo.
Leo carefully untied the canvas drawstring and reached inside. He didn't find stock certificates or gold bullion. Instead, he pulled out a small, leather-bound notebook filled with Walter's meticulous handwriting, alongside a worn, silver pocket watch that belonged to Leo's father.
Leo picked up the watch, his thumb tracing the engraved initials on the back: T.V. - Integrity above all.
Attached to the notebook was a small white card with a final message from Walter:
Leo,
May you like
Power does not corrupt men; fear corrupts men. The fear of losing status, the fear of poverty, the fear of being seen as weak. When you gave me your meal that day, you proved you were fearless. Never let the weight of this empire make you afraid.
— W.B.
