Chapter 18 - THREE MONTHS LATER
Spring had fully arrived in the affluent suburb, turning the sprawling estate gardens into a vibrant sea of flowers.
The corporate restructuring of Vance Global Industries was complete, with Sarah officially reinstated as primary chairwoman.
Julian Vance and Elena Rostova were sitting in a federal penitentiary awaiting trial with zero chance of bail.
Mark had returned to his private engineering consulting firm, enjoying the balanced rhythm of normal family life.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the family was gathered on the back patio for a celebratory barbecue.
Mark wore a light blue shirt with the top button undone, grilling steaks on the stainless steel patio stove.
Sarah walked up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist and pressing her cheek against his back.
"I still can't believe we survived all of that, Mark," Sarah murmured, watching the children play catch on the lawn.
"We survived because we never stopped fighting for each other," Mark replied, turning around to kiss her gently.
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The American flag fluttered proudly on the flagpole installed near the front gates of the peaceful estate.
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