Chapter 5 - The Congressional Medal
The Army Commander pulled out a heavy leather-bound military file alongside a velvet-lined gold medal case stamped with the official seal of the Department of Defense.
"The President of the United States and the Secretary of the Army have officially approved the Congressional Medal of Honor for your historic bravery, Master Sergeant Vance," the Commander announced, opening the case to reveal the glittering gold medal.
Beside the medal was a certified government decree granting Master Sergeant Arthur Vance a multi-million-dollar veteran retroactive compensation package and full ownership of a prime commercial federal land grant.
Furthermore, the document named Arthur as the Special Military Advisor for the state's upcoming fifty-million-dollar defense infrastructure project.
Julian’s knees buckled. He grabbed the edge of the head table to keep from collapsing on the floor.
The very defense infrastructure project Julian's family firm had been desperately bidding on for six months was now under the direct authority of the man he had just humiliated.
Clara looked at Julian with calm, absolute dignity, her voice ringing clear across the dead silent room.
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"He isn't just a gardener, Julian. He's a hero you’ll never deserve," Clara said softly, her quiet, firm words cutting through Julian’s arrogant facade like a razor.
👉 Read Part 6 to see how Julian tried to beg for forgiveness at Arthur's feet.
