Chapter 16 - RETURNING TO THE MANSION
The black SUV pulled back up the circular driveway of the grand mansion just before dawn broke in the east.
The framed American flag on the foyer wall caught the first rays of golden morning sunlight through the glass.
Mark stepped inside the quiet foyer, dropping his keys onto the console table with a soft metallic sound.
Sarah was sitting in the armchair by the fireplace, drinking a cup of chamomile tea while reading a book.
She looked up as Mark entered, a warm, genuine smile gracing her features for the first time in six months.
"Is it finally over, Mark?" Sarah asked softly, setting her teacup down on the wooden coffee table.
"It's over, sweetheart... Julian and Elena are both in federal custody," Mark assured her, kneeling beside her chair.
Sarah reached out, running her fingers through his dark hair with a look of profound, endless relief.
"The kids are still asleep upstairs... I checked on them ten minutes ago," Sarah whispered, leaning against his shoulder.
May you like
Mark wrapped his arms tightly around her, knowing their family was finally safe from the shadows of greed.
***
