Chapter 18 - A New Name
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The rebranding of the company was swift and decisive. Lawson Technologies was officially dissolved, and out of its ashes rose Vance Innovations.
I stood in the sleek, modernized lobby of the new corporate headquarters, addressing the assembled employees for the first time as their official CEO.
"The last few months have been chaotic and uncertain for all of you," I began, looking out at the anxious faces of the staff. "You were misled by the previous leadership, and your livelihoods were recklessly endangered."
I paused, making sure I made eye contact with as many people as possible.
"That era is permanently over," I declared. "Vance Innovations is built on a foundation of total transparency, rigorous ethical standards, and genuine innovation. We have fully secured your pensions, we have reinstated your healthcare benefits, and we are heavily investing in R&D to launch our new product line by Q4."
The lobby erupted in genuine, relieved applause.
As I stepped down from the podium, Daniel, the CFO who had originally frozen Garrett's accounts at the christening, walked over with a broad smile.
"That was a hell of a speech, Ms. Vance," Daniel said, offering his hand.
"Thank you, Daniel," I replied, shaking his hand firmly. "And thank you for staying on board. We have a lot of work to do."
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"I wouldn't miss this for the world," he laughed.
I walked out of the glass building and into the bright sunshine. For the first time in my professional life, I wasn't hiding behind a false identity or propping up a mediocre man. I was standing entirely on my own two feet, carrying my true family name with pride.
