Chapter 12 - Returning to the Light
By the time I returned to the Lake Forest estate, twilight was painting the sky in brilliant shades of violet and gold.
The iron gates swung open smoothly as our car approached. Inside the grand foyer, the crystal chandelier cast a warm, welcoming glow across the polished marble floors.
Vincent stood near the foot of the grand staircase, waiting. He wasn't wearing his usual corporate suit; he wore a simple dark sweater and slacks, looking more relaxed than I had ever seen him.
“The verdict?” Vincent asked as I walked through the front doors.
“Guilty on all counts,” I replied, unbuttoning my coat. “He’s facing multiple life sentences. The prosecutor said there’s zero chance of parole.”
Vincent closed his eyes for a brief moment, letting out a long, steady breath. The last visible tension left his broad shoulders.
“It’s done,” he whispered. Then he looked at me, a profound warmth filling his dark eyes. “Thank you, Elena. For standing up in that courtroom. For protecting my family when it mattered most.”
“I just told the truth, Mr. Moretti,” I said softly.
At that moment, the double doors leading to the sunroom opened, and Isabella and Ellie came running out, laughing and chasing each other around the fountain in the center of the foyer.
Isabella stopped right in front of us, her cheeks flushed with excitement from playing. She looked up at Vincent, then over at me, holding up a brand-new white swan music box with a shiny brass key in her hand.
“Daddy, Elena,” Isabella announced proudly, her voice ringing clear and joyful through the grand hall. “We fixed the song. Do you want to hear it?”
May you like
Vincent smiled, kneeling down to wrap his arms around both Isabella and Ellie in one big, protective embrace.
“Always, sweetheart,” Vincent said, looking up at me with a smile that felt like home. “Always.”
