Chapter 15
Six months later, the sun shone brightly over the manicured green lawns of the Sterling estate in Long Island.
The heavy black SUV pulled into the driveway, where workers were installing new security gates and lighting.
Ethan stood on the back patio overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, watching Lily play on a newly constructed wooden swingset.
She wore a bright yellow summer dress, her laughter echoing cheerfully over the sound of the crashing ocean waves.
Arthur, his lead attorney, stepped out onto the patio holding a leather briefcase and two glasses of lemonade.
"The final liquidation of Vance Global Holdings was approved by the probate court yesterday," Arthur reported, handing Ethan a glass.
"Every single dollar stolen from Clara's estate has been recovered and returned to Lily's primary trust."
Ethan took a slow sip of his drink, feeling the warm summer breeze sweep across his face.
"What about Eleanor?" Ethan asked, his tone remaining serious despite the good news.
"Eleanor pled guilty to federal conspiracy charges this morning in Manhattan," Arthur revealed with a satisfying smile.
"She will be serving twelve years at a federal correctional facility in Connecticut without the possibility of parole."
"And Victoria?" Ethan continued, his green eyes remaining focused on his daughter on the swingset.
"Victoria was sentenced to twenty-five years for her role in the homicide conspiracy and corporate fraud," Arthur replied quietly.
"She won't be eligible for early release until Lily is well into her adulthood."
May you like
Ethan nodded slowly, feeling the last lingering weight of fear lift off his shoulders completely.
Justice had been served, full and absolute, under the strict letter of American law.
