“Sit,” I gestured to the chair across from me. “How’s compliance?”
“Enlightening,” he said carefully. “I never realized how many regulations we were overlooking.”
“You mean violating?”
He flinched, but nodded.
“Yes. The shortcuts I took, the rules I ignored. I’m seeing it all differently now.”
I studied him, remembering the brother who tried to destroy my company before it began.
“Your supervisor says you’re showing promise.”
“I’m trying to learn.” He met my eyes for the first time in weeks. “Really learn, not just fake it like before.”
My phone buzzed. Another alert about Bennett Financial. The SEC had quietly accepted our restructuring plan, avoiding public charges in exchange for full cooperation.
The family name would survive, barely.
“Mom called,” Michael said suddenly. “From her new apartment.”
The downsizing had hit our mother hardest. Her beloved estate sold, her social status diminished, living in a modest condo paid for by her new foundation salary.
“How’s she adjusting?”
“She actually…” He smiled slightly. “Talked about the foundation’s work. Real excitement, not just social climbing. Dad too. He’s connecting with clients honestly for once.”
“And Diana?” I asked, referring to his status-obsessed wife.
“Left last week. Couldn’t handle the reduced circumstances.” He shrugged. Another new gesture. “Probably for the best.”
I pulled up another file on my screen. Michael’s personal financial records.
“Your credit counseling sessions.”
“Humiliating, but necessary.”
He straightened in his chair.
“I’ve learned more about ethical finance in four weeks than in my entire career.”
“Good.” I stood, walking to the window. “Because I’m offering you a choice.”
He waited, tension visible in his shoulders.
“Continue in compliance. Work your way up slowly. Maybe make junior analyst in five years.”
I turned back to him.
“Or join our new family office advisory division as a cautionary example.”
“What?”