Chapter 13 - Dawn of a New Era
The morning papers in New York and Washington didn't just report the news—they detonated it.
SENATOR RICHARD VANCE INDICTED IN SWEEPING FEDERAL RACKETEERING PROBE. STERLING ESTATE CLEARED OF ALL WRONGDOING; CHARITY FRAUD RING SMASHED.
Inside the kitchen of Sterling Manor, Grace Miller placed the freshly delivered newspaper onto the marble island, shaking her head with a small, amused smile as she poured a fresh cup of coffee.
“Well,” Grace said, looking across the counter at Evan, who was buttering toast for Sophie. “Looks like your late-night visitor won't be bothering anyone for a very, very long time.”
Evan took a bite of his toast, his expression completely relaxed. “Vance was a symptom of a broken system, Grace. The real work is right here.”
Sophie climbed down from her stool, finished with her breakfast, and ran over to hug her father around the waist. “Daddy, can we go feed the ducks by the pond today? Caleb wants to bring his rabbit!”
Evan knelt down, picking Sophie up with a laugh as Caleb waddled over, clutching the tattered brown rabbit with its blue-threaded ear and babbling happily.
May you like
“We can go wherever you want, sweetheart,” Evan promised, pressing a kiss to his daughter’s forehead. “Today, tomorrow, and every day after that.”
Grace watched them, her heart feeling lighter than it had in years. The shadows were gone. The estate was safe. The groundsman had won his war, and for the first family of Sterling Manor, the sun was finally shining without a single cloud in sight.
