Chapter 17 - AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR
Marcus checked his digital tablet, his expression turning slightly puzzled as he looked up.
"It's an agent from the Department of Commerce, Boss. He says it's regarding a direct federal commendation," Marcus answered.
"Send him in," Victoria instructed, setting her tea mug down on the obsidian desk.
The door opened to reveal a distinguished middle-aged man in a tailored charcoal suit carrying a heavy velvet-lined presentation case.
"Ms. Vance, I am Director Sterling—no relation to the disgraced family, I assure you," the official joked dryly with a polite smile.
Victoria stood up, extending her hand across the desk to shake his firmly. "Welcome, Director. To what do I owe this honor?"
The Director opened the velvet case, revealing a prestigious presidential trade excellence medal embossed with the Great Seal of the United States.
"The federal government wishes to formally recognize your swift action in purging corruption from your corporate supply chain," Director Sterling stated.
"Your compliance audit has set a gold standard for American multinational corporations moving forward."
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Victoria accepted the heavy medal with quiet grace, knowing the painful price she had paid to earn such recognition.
"Thank you, Director. Integrity should be the baseline of American enterprise, not an exception," Victoria responded firmly.
