Chapter 10: A New Dawn at the Halcyon
One year later.
The grand ballroom of the Halcyon Hotel was once again filled to capacity, hosting the annual Seattle Children’s Hospital Charity Gala—the exact same event where, twelve months prior, a malicious socialite had tried to destroy an ordinary florist.
Only this time, the ballroom looked entirely different.
The floral arrangements weren't standard, mass-ordered corporate roses; they were breathtaking, cascading installations of wild orchids, white camellias, and pale-green ivy curated personally by Leah Moreno Mercer, whose high-end floral design studio was now the premier artistic partner for Halcyon Holdings worldwide.
Standing near the grand staircase, wearing an elegant emerald evening gown and her mother’s platinum necklace, Leah watched the room with a calm, radiant confidence.
Eleanor Mercer was nowhere near the hotel; she was currently awaiting trial in a federal detention facility, her high-society friends long vanished into the ether.
Julian walked up beside his daughter, handing her a glass of sparkling cider. He raised his own glass toward the crowded ballroom.
“To new beginnings,” Julian said softly.
May you like
Leah clinked her glass against his, looking out over the glittering crowd, the vintage silver locket resting securely against her chest.
“To truth,” Leah smiled, “and the ledgers that finally balance out.”
