Chapter 5 - The New Era of the Skyline GrandThree months after the acquisition, the Skyline Grand Hotel underwent a complete, radical cultural and structural transformation.

The old management team—every executive who had turned a blind eye to corruption, abuse, and worker exploitation—was entirely gone, replaced by competent, empathetic professionals dedicated to ethical hospitality. The basement staff quarters were renovated into modern, high-comfort living spaces for employees, complete with fair wages, full healthcare benefits, and transparent grievance procedures.

I sat at my desk in the executive penthouse office, reviewing the morning financial reports. The hotel’s revenue hadn't dropped following the scandal; in fact, public goodwill and ethical tourism campaigns had skyrocketed, making the Skyline Grand the most profitable independent luxury resort in North America.

The private elevator chime sounded softly, and Jonathan Cole stepped into the office holding a thick leather-bound dossier.

"Morning, Director Reed," Jonathan greeted with a respectful smile, placing the dossier on my desk. "The federal receivership hearings for Vance Capital concluded this morning. Arthur Vance accepted a plea deal on all counts of corporate fraud and bribery. He's facing a minimum of twelve years in federal prison."

I closed my laptop, looking up at Jonathan with a calm, satisfied expression. "And Veronica?"

"Left the state," Jonathan chuckled lightly. "Last I heard, she's staying in a modest two-bedroom apartment in Phoenix, trying to figure out how to write her own resume for the first time in her life."

I nodded slowly, feeling a deep, profound sense of closure settle over my chest. The ghosts of the past—the bullying, the humiliation, the arrogant belief that wealth gives someone the right to crush human dignity—had been permanently swept away.

"Good," I murmured. "Make sure the community foundation grants for hospitality workers are disbursed on schedule this afternoon. I want every single employee in this city to know they have protection."

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"Consider it done," Jonathan said, turning to leave before pausing at the door. "By the way, there's someone downstairs in the lobby waiting to see you. An old colleague from your federal task force days. Says it's urgent."

I raised an eyebrow, curious. "Send them up."