A ripple to passes through the room at my announcement. It’s not shock or grief or even fear. It’s calculation. They’re wondering what they can get out of all of this.
I go on. “His assets are unclaimed, as of now. You will decide for yourselves how to divide them. I trust this can be done without bloodshed.”
All eyes turn to me.
“But hear this,” I say, dropping my voice and raising a finger. “I will reinforce the code. Any man who raises a hand against women or children, any man who uses them in the way he did, will meet the same end. I’ll be stepping away from this world, but I’ll be more than happy to return if a reminder of this rule is needed.”
I let the silence hang, making sure they all get the message.
“The city does not need more monsters.”
One by one, they nod. Some seem visibly relieved knowing that I didn’t bring them here to threaten them—or worse. And I’m sure many are pleased to see Garin gone.
“Good. Then we’re finished.”
They stand up and prepare to leave. I step over to the windows and look out over the city.
My city.
There’s something different about it now. Something different about me.
And I’m only just beginning.
It’s warm outside.
I exit onto the steps in front of Barinov Holdings to a real, spring day. The sky is clear and blue, and the air is finally warm enough that I can slip out of my heavy coat.
Amalie is waiting for me with Sasha at her side. They both greet me with a warm smile.
My family.
Commotion is happening all around. Press vans line the curb. Boom mics hover. Security keeps a perimeter. Cameras flash as I approach the podium. Andrei stands a few steps behind me.
This is it. This is the moment when I put my old life behind me for good.
“Two months ago, I began the process of going public with Barinov Holdings. It hasn’t been without its ups and downs. There have been questions about our direction and whether or not this company was prepared for the future I have envisioned for it.”
I let my opening statements settle before going on.
“Those questions have been answered.”
A murmur ripples through the crowd.
“Following the uncovering of criminal interference into our IPO process that unfortunately affected our initial timeline, I am pleased to announce that Barinov Holdings has successfully finalized its IPO. The offering is complete, and the company will move forward as a transparent entity under Illinois law.”
Cameras flash nonstop.
“This framework provides long-term stability, not only for our investors and our employees,” I continue, “but also for the philanthropic initiatives Barinov Holdings supports—particularly programs designed to offer creative outreach and resources for the children of Chicago most in need of them.”
My gaze drops to Sasha for a moment. I can see his grip tighten on Amalie’s hand.
“As part of our commitment to the city, Barinov Holdings is partnering with the Art Institute of Chicago to establish a new children’s art initiative.”
A few heads lift.
“I am pleased to announce the creation of The Callahan Studio for Young Artists, a dedicated space for children to create, explore, and heal through art, regardless of background or circumstance.” I pause for just a beat. “And I am more than pleased to introduce the project’s creative director, Amalie Denning.”
There’s a shift in the crowd. Amalie smiles broadly. She’s ready. I know it.
