Chapter 7 - Healing the Heart of the HomeWithin hours, the house was cleared of corruption. Federal regulators seized Marcus Vance’s shell companies, freezing his assets and initiating a full investigation into corporate racketeers.
Upstairs in the nursery, the morning sunlight warmed the room. Little Lily sat up in her bed, wearing a soft pink dress, giggling as she played with a new set of building blocks.
Lucas pushed the door open softly, holding a fresh, sterile blue inhaler in his hand just in case, though her breathing was steady and healthy. He knelt down beside her bed, scooping her up into a warm, protective embrace.
May you like
"Daddy, are the bad people gone?" Lily asked softly, burying her face in his shoulder. "They're gone forever, my sweet angel," Lucas whispered, kissing the top of her golden hair with fierce devotion. "No one will ever hurt you or take your breath away again. I promise."
Sarah stood quietly in the doorway, packing her remaining bags under the supervision of a social worker. She looked at Lucas and Lily, her eyes filled with bitter, irreversible regret. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words caught in her throat. She realized that greed had cost her everything she truly loved. Without a word, she turned and walked away, leaving the estate for good.
