Chapter 8 - The Rebuilding of Vance Supply
With Brandon gone, my father officially stepped back in as interim CEO of Vance Supply Co., with a clear mission: to repair the damage and prepare the company for a sustainable future.
He asked me to join the executive board as Vice President of Financial Strategy. I accepted on one condition: my work would be strictly professional, compensated fairly at market rates, and governed by strict corporate oversight.
Over the next six months, Arthur and I worked tirelessly to restructure the firm's finances. We eliminated corporate waste, renegotiated supplier contracts, and streamlined operations. Under our leadership, Vance Supply Co. didn't just recover—it began to thrive.
Free from the leeching of Brandon’s personal expenses, company profits rose by twenty-four percent in two quarters. Employees who had felt intimidated under Brandon’s arrogant management style expressed renewed morale and dedication.
During this time, my father began making regular visits to my apartment—not to debate family drama, but to be a grandfather.
At first, Lily and Emma were cautious. They remembered his silence at Marlowe's Steakhouse. But Dad proved his sincere regret through consistent actions. He showed up to Lily’s soccer games, sat on the grass cheering her on, brought Emma sketchbooks, and spent hours listening to them talk about their days.
He never brought Beverly. He understood that boundaries were non-negotiable.
One Sunday evening, after having dinner with us—a simple, warm home-cooked meal where everyone had a full plate and an equal voice—my father lingered by the door as he prepared to leave.
"Natalie," he said softly, putting on his coat. "I want to apologize again. For all those years I let your mother put you second. I was a coward."
"Dad," I replied gently. "You were asleep. But you woke up when it counted."
"I made a decision today," he continued, pulling an envelope from his pocket and handing it to me. "I had my lawyer update my will and trust agreements. Sixty percent of my personal estate and company shares will be divided equally into two irrevocable educational trusts for Lily and Emma, managed independently by an external trustee until they turn twenty-five."
I looked at the documents in shock. "Dad... what about Brandon?"
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"Brandon has received far more than his fair share over his lifetime," my father said firmly. "He has been given every advantage, and he wasted it on greed. Lily and Emma deserve a secure future. I want to make sure no one—not your mother, not Brandon, not Paige—can ever take that away from them."
Tears pricked the corners of my eyes. I hugged my father tightly, feeling the old, heavy weight of unworthiness finally lift off my shoulders.
