Chapter 23 - Michael Pays
Morgan Strategic Transport did not escape.
Its bid misrepresentation triggered administrative penalties.
Michael paid fines.
His company was temporarily restricted from certain public procurements under the applicable process.
He lost contracts.
He sold assets.
His personal wealth shrank dramatically.
But the company survived.
One afternoon he brought Ethan to the warehouse before it was sold.
“You know what I thought this place meant?”
“What?”
“That whoever controlled it won.”
“Won what?”
Michael smiled sadly.
“Exactly.”
He showed Ethan the old beams.
His father’s office.
A faded coffee stain nobody had removed in thirty years.
“I almost destroyed my relationship with your dad over this building.”
Ethan asked:
“Do you regret competing with Hartwell?”
“No.”
“The lying?”
“Yes.”
“The evidence?”
“I regret keeping it for leverage.”
Ethan nodded.
Michael looked at him.
“You're thirteen. Why are you interviewing me like an attorney?”
“Rebecca infected everybody.”
They laughed.
Before leaving, Michael handed Ethan an old brass key.
“Souvenir.”
Ethan shook his head.
“I don't want it.”
Michael looked surprised.
“Why?”
“Because you said controlling the building isn't winning.”
Michael smiled.
“Fair.”
He placed the key back in his pocket.
May you like
Old symbols did not always need new owners.
Sometimes they needed to be released.
