Chapter 9 New Horizons

# Chapter 9: New Horizons

Six months after Gideon's arrest, I stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of my office, watching the Boston skyline transition from afternoon to evening. The city looked different to me now—less innocent, perhaps, but also more real. Like me.

A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.

"Come in," I called, turning to find Talia entering with two cups of coffee.

"Thought you might need this," she said, handing me one. "The press conference is in an hour."

I accepted the cup gratefully. "Is everything ready?"

"The statement has been approved by legal, PR has briefed the journalists, and security has swept the venue twice." She paused. "Alex called. They've increased Gideon's security after another incident."

I nodded, unsurprised. In the months since his arrest, Gideon had become a target for other inmates—a wealthy, handsome businessman with connections to foreign powers made enemies easily in federal prison.

"Do they think it was Cameron's people again?" I asked.

"Unclear. But they've moved Gideon to solitary for his protection."

I turned back to the window, conflicted emotions swirling within me. Despite everything Gideon had done—the murder of my brother, the manipulation, the threats—I couldn't bring myself to wish him harm. It was a weakness I was still working to overcome.

"The trial date is set for next month," Talia continued. "Prosecution wants to confirm you're still willing to testify."

"I am," I said firmly. "I need to see this through. For Emmett."

The last six months had been a whirlwind of legal proceedings, corporate restructuring, and personal rebuilding. Reed Cybersecurity had emerged stronger from the scandal, our government contracts renewed after rigorous security audits confirmed that no breaches had occurred. My reputation had taken longer to repair, but the truth had gradually replaced the salacious headlines.

"How are you feeling about today?" Talia asked, studying me over her coffee cup. Our friendship had evolved into something new—more honest, more equal since the revelation of her DIA connection. She had resigned from the agency to become my official head of security, a position that utilized her skills while allowing her to make amends for her past deception.

"Nervous," I admitted. "But ready. It's time to move forward."

Today's press conference would announce Reed Cybersecurity's new partnership with Chen Global—Diana Chen's company had approached me with an offer that would expand our reach into international markets while strengthening our core security offerings.

"Diana just arrived," Talia said, checking her phone. "She's waiting in the conference room with the legal team."

I nodded, finishing my coffee. "Let's not keep her waiting."

Diana Chen rose as we entered the conference room, extending her hand with characteristic precision. In the months since the boardroom confrontation, she had become both a mentor and ally—her reputation for integrity helping to shield Reed Cybersecurity from the worst of the fallout.

"Maren," she greeted me. "You look well."

"Thank you for coming in person," I replied, shaking her hand. "It means a lot to have you here for the announcement."

She nodded, ever efficient. "The markets respond to visual cues. Seeing us together sends the right message." Her eyes softened slightly. "And I wanted to see how you're doing. The news about your annulment being finalized must be a relief."

"It is," I acknowledged. The legal dissolution of my marriage to Gideon had been complicated by his incarceration and the ongoing criminal proceedings, but it was finally complete. I was officially Maren Reed again, no longer tethered to the Blackwood name.

As the legal teams reviewed the final partnership documents, my phone buzzed with a text from Alex: "Need to speak with you before the press conference. Important development."

I excused myself, finding Alex waiting in my private office. Six months of working together had transformed our relationship from cautious allies to something approaching friendship. He had been instrumental in building the case against Gideon and Cameron, and I trusted his judgment implicitly.

"What's happened?" I asked as I closed the door.

"Cameron Westfield has been located," he said without preamble. "Interpol found him in Singapore, attempting to access accounts we had flagged."

My heart raced. Cameron had disappeared the day after the boardroom confrontation, evading federal agents and apparently fleeing the country with millions in embezzled funds. His capture was the missing piece in the case against Gideon's network.

"Have they arrested him?"

Alex nodded. "He's being extradited now. But there's more—he's offering a deal. Information in exchange for leniency."

"What kind of information?"

"Names. Dates. Locations." Alex's expression was grim. "He claims Gideon's operation was bigger than we thought, with connections to high-level government officials."

I absorbed this, understanding the implications. "He's trying to save himself by bringing down bigger fish."

"Exactly. And he's specifically asked to speak with you."

I frowned. "Me? Why?"

"He says he has information about your brother—something Gideon told him that wasn't in any of the evidence we've uncovered."

The mention of Emmett sent a sharp pain through my chest. Despite the progress in the case, I still woke some nights haunted by the thought that I hadn't fully understood why my brother had died.

"When?"

"Tomorrow morning. We can arrange a secure video conference from the federal building."

I nodded slowly. "I'll be there." Checking my watch, I added, "But right now, I have a press conference to handle."

---

The event was held in Reed Cybersecurity's main auditorium, packed with journalists, industry analysts, and employees. Camera flashes popped as Diana and I took the stage, shaking hands for the photographers before approaching the podium.

I looked out over the assembled crowd, spotting familiar faces—my executive team, beaming with pride; Talia, scanning the room with professional vigilance; even my mother, who had finally learned the full truth about Gideon and Emmett, sitting in the front row with tears of pride in her eyes.

"Good afternoon," I began, my voice steady. "Today marks a new chapter for Reed Cybersecurity. Our partnership with Chen Global represents not just a business alliance, but a shared vision for the future of digital security in an increasingly complex world."

As I outlined the details of the partnership, I could feel the energy in the room—excitement, optimism, curiosity. It was a far cry from the suspicion and scandal that had surrounded me just months earlier.

"Ms. Reed," a journalist called during the question period. "How has the Blackwood scandal affected your approach to business partnerships?"

A hush fell over the room. It was the question everyone had been waiting for—direct, unavoidable.

I met the reporter's gaze steadily. "Trust but verify," I replied. "That's always been Reed Cybersecurity's approach to digital security, and now it's my personal philosophy as well. What happened with Blackwood Tech was a painful lesson in due diligence, both professional and personal."

"And the personal aspect?" another reporter pressed. "Do you regret your marriage to Gideon Blackwood?"

Diana stiffened beside me, ready to intervene, but I raised a hand slightly to indicate I would answer.

"I regret that I didn't listen to my brother's warnings," I said honestly. "I regret that I missed the signs of deception. But I don't regret surviving, learning, and becoming stronger as a result." I paused, choosing my next words carefully. "Gideon Blackwood will face justice for his crimes. My focus now is on the future of this company and the people who depend on it."

The press conference concluded with the formal signing of the partnership agreement, cameras capturing the moment for tomorrow's business pages. As the crowd began to disperse, a familiar figure approached the stage—Dr. Samuel Wilson, my brother's closest friend from graduate school.

"Sam," I greeted him warmly, stepping down to embrace him. "I didn't know you were coming."

"Last minute decision," he admitted, returning the hug. "I wanted to see you in action. Emmett would be so proud."

Sam had been a constant source of support since Emmett's death, sharing stories and memories that helped keep my brother's spirit alive for me. In recent months, our coffee meetings had become one of the few normal, uncomplicated parts of my life.

"Are you free for dinner?" he asked. "I'm only in town until tomorrow."

"I'd love that," I replied, surprised by how much I meant it. "Let me wrap up here first."

As I made the rounds, thanking key stakeholders and instructing my team on next steps, I caught Talia watching me with a knowing smile.

"What?" I asked when I reached her.

"Nothing," she replied innocently. "Just nice to see you making plans that don't involve federal agents or corporate lawyers."

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't suppress a small smile. "It's just dinner with Sam."

"Of course," she agreed, still smiling. "Just like the last three 'just dinners' with Sam."

I chose to ignore the implication, though I felt a warmth spreading through me that had nothing to do with the success of the press conference. Sam was kind, brilliant, and had never known me as anything but Maren Reed—there was a freedom in that I hadn't expected to value so much.

"The security detail for your meeting with Cameron tomorrow is arranged," Talia continued, switching to business mode. "Alex wants full surveillance and recording."

"Fine by me," I replied. "I want everything Cameron says on record."

"Are you sure you're ready to hear what he has to say about Emmett?" Talia asked gently. "It might open wounds that are just starting to heal."

I considered this. The past months had brought a measure of peace as I focused on rebuilding my company and my life. Did I want to risk that by diving back into the darkest chapter of my story?

"I need to know," I said finally. "Whatever it is, I can handle it. I'm not the same person Gideon targeted—I'm not naive anymore."

Talia nodded, respecting my decision. "Just remember you're not alone in this. You have people in your corner now—real allies, not just strategic partners."

As if to underscore her point, Diana Chen approached, extending her hand once more.

"Impressive performance," she said approvingly. "The markets will respond well."

"Thank you for your support through all of this," I replied. "Not many investors would have stood by a CEO in my situation."

Diana's expression softened marginally—the closest she ever came to warmth in a business setting. "I recognize resilience when I see it, Maren. And integrity. Those are rare qualities in this industry." She paused, checking her watch. "I have a flight to catch, but I'll be monitoring the partnership rollout remotely. My team has your back."

As Diana departed, I felt a strange sense of completion—one chapter ending, another beginning. The press conference had gone perfectly, the partnership was secured, and tomorrow I would finally get answers about Emmett. For the first time in nearly a year, I felt like I was standing on solid ground.

Sam approached, his warm smile a stark contrast to the calculated business expressions I'd been navigating all day. "Ready to escape?" he asked.

"More than you know," I replied honestly.

As we left the building together, I caught sight of my reflection in the glass doors—confident, composed, no longer the shattered bride who had discovered her husband's betrayal in Paris. The woman looking back at me was someone new—someone stronger, wiser, and finally ready to embrace the future.

Whatever Cameron revealed tomorrow, whatever challenges still lay ahead with Gideon's trial, I would face them as this new version of myself. Maren Reed, rebuilt from the ashes of deception, stepping into new horizons with open eyes.