Chapter 10 - The Quiet AftermathWithin twenty minutes, the grand estate was entirely cleared of guests, caterers, and criminals.
The frantic noise of the party had vanished, replaced once again by the profound, sacred silence of the house my father had built with his own hands.
I walked out onto the wide stone balcony, holding a cup of hot Earl Grey tea, watching the red and blue flashing lights of the federal transport vehicles fade down the suburban road as they headed toward the federal detention center.
Marcus Vance stood beside me, leaning against the wrought-iron railing, looking out over the manicured lawn under the moonlight.
“The freeze orders on the trust accounts have been lifted and fully restored to your exclusive control,” Marcus said, sipping his coffee. “Nolan Voss is looking at a minimum of fifteen years as a repeat federal offender, and Grant won't see parole before his hair turns gray.”
“Good,” I murmured, taking a slow sip of my tea. “Let them spend their time studying prison ledgers.”
Marcus chuckled softly. “What are your plans for the house, Ava?”
May you like
I looked back through the open glass doors, taking in the warm amber glow of the living room, the antique mahogany dining table, and the quiet dignity of a home that had survived its greatest storm.
“I’m going to stay right here,” I smiled. “Peace is a choice, Marcus. And I intend to enjoy every single moment of it.”
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