Chapter 12 - ERASED FROM HISTORY
Six months passed, bringing a crisp autumn breeze that swept golden leaves across Central Park. Vance Tower was officially rededicated under Claire's sole leadership as CEO, marking the complete restructuring of the former Sterling partnership.
A grand press conference was held in the main lobby beneath a massive framed American flag. Hundreds of journalists, photojournalists, and business leaders gathered to witness Claire’s triumphant return to public life.
Claire stepped up to the podium wearing a striking emerald green business suit, looking radiant, confident, and utterly unshakeable. Her baby son, Leo, was held safely in the arms of his uncle in the front row.
"Today marks a new era of integrity, transparency, and strength for our global foundation," Claire announced to the roaring applause of the media crowd. "We have eliminated the rot from our institution and built a fortress that will stand for generations."
In a federal correctional facility in upstate New York, Ethan sat in the recreation room watching the broadcast on a small hanging television. He wore a faded gray prison uniform, his hands calloused from daily labor as he watched his former wife command the admiration of the nation.
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Sitting next to him, another inmate tapped his shoulder, pointing to the screen. "Hey man, isn't that the heiress you used to be married to?"
Ethan looked down at the concrete floor, refusing to answer as tears burned his eyes. "I don't know who she is," he whispered, his voice buried beneath the loud chatter of the prison hall.
