Chapter 18 - THE ANNOUNCEMENT|
Two weeks later.
The rain had returned to Chicago, turning the city streets into silver ribbons under the evening streetlamps.
The grand dining room of the Costello estate in River Forest was lit by glowing crystal chandeliers. Sitting around the long mahogany table were the senior leaders of the Costello syndicate, including Leo, Sophia, and the regional captains.
At the head of the table sat Arthur Costello.
And sitting directly to his right—in the seat reserved exclusively for the second-in-command—was Beatrice Gallagher.
She wore a sleek, dark navy tailored suit, her auburn hair pinned back neatly, her glasses resting on her nose, a leather folder open in front of her.
Sophia sat across the table, looking pale, completely stripped of her former arrogance.
Arthur raised his crystal glass of aged scotch, looking around the silent room.
“Before we begin the Q4 review,” Arthur announced, his deep voice carrying clearly to every corner, “I have one formal announcement.”
The captains leaned forward, listening intently.
“Miss Gallagher has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of Carmichael Logistics and all subsidiary holdings,” Arthur declared. “Her authority on all financial matters is absolute. Anyone who attempts to bypass her audit will answer directly to me.”
A murmur of approval rippled through the room. Leo smiled warmly, raising his glass in a genuine salute to Beatrice.
Beatrice looked at Arthur, a subtle, sharp smile touching her lips as she closed her leather folder with a crisp snap.
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“Line one on the Q4 budget,” Beatrice spoke up, her voice clear and commanding, “is a fifty percent cut to executive entertainment accounts. If anyone has an objection, speak now.”
Not a single man in the room dared to raise his voice.
