Chapter 5 - A Seat at a Better Table
While the storm brewed within the family structure, my professional life took an unexpected turn.
For months, I had been bidding on a major contract with Vance Holdings, a regional commercial real estate firm looking to restructure their portfolio. It was the kind of account that could establish my independent practice permanently.
On Friday morning, I sat in the high-ceilinged conference room of Vance Holdings, across from Arthur Vance—a shrewd, gray-haired man known throughout the city for his no-nonsense business ethics.
"Mrs. Cole," Mr. Vance said, flipping through my proposal. "Your analysis of our third-quarter risk factors was sharper than the firm we currently retain. But what impresses me most is your reputation for total transparency."
"Transparency is the only way to build anything that lasts, Mr. Vance," I said.
He smiled faintly. "Indeed. My assistant mentioned you had a slight delay getting here due to a family matter earlier this week. I hope everything is resolved?"
"It’s in the process of being resolved," I said evenly. "I’ve cleared away a lot of unnecessary noise recently. My focus is entirely on my work and my family."
Mr. Vance closed the folder and slid it across the table alongside a pen. "We’d like to offer you a three-year exclusive contract to manage our audit division. Starting immediately."
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The retainer amount listed on the final page was more than three times what I made in a standard year. I signed my name in clear, bold script.
When I walked out of the building into the afternoon sunlight, I didn't feel smug. I felt light. The ground beneath my feet finally felt solid.
