Chapter 218 - Two Hundred and Eighteen
Chapter Two Hundred and Eighteen
Malachi’s POV
The security consulting business took off faster than I’d expected.
Within two months of officially launching, I had five corporate clients and a waiting list of companies wanting to hire us. Apparently there was significant demand for someone who understood both legitimate security concerns and the criminal mindset that might exploit weaknesses.
"You’re basically using everything Pa taught you but for good instead of evil," Maurice said during one of our calls. "It’s poetic in a way."
"It’s practical. These skills don’t just disappear because I walked away from the family business. Might as well use them for something productive."
"The family’s impressed. Tom especially. He’s been telling people his son built a legitimate empire out of dark skills. He’s proud of you."
"That’s unexpected."
"He’s changing too. Everyone is. You walking away showed us it was possible. Now half the family is looking for ways to go legitimate. Mario’s sons are talking about real estate development. Some of the cousins are exploring tech investments. You started something, Malachi."
After we hung up, I sat in my office thinking about that. About how choosing to be better had rippled out to affect people I’d never intended to influence. About how change was contagious once someone proved it was possible.
Lia was six months old now. Sitting up on her own. Eating solid foods. Developing a personality that was equal parts stubborn determination and infectious joy. She laughed at everything. Smiled at everyone. Made every single person who met her fall completely in love with her.
"She’s going to be dangerous when she’s older," Alicia said one evening while we watched Lia charm Alessandro into giving her bites of his dinner even though she’d already eaten. "Look at him. Completely wrapped around her finger."