Chapter 20
Three weeks later, Grand Haven Resort was operating at absolute peak perfection.
The red emergency lights had been replaced with warm crystal chandeliers illuminating the grand lobby.
The staff had been completely restructured, led by honest, hard-working professionals who valued hospitality over status.
The story of how the founder had walked into her own lobby to reclaim her legacy had become legendary across the country.
Bookings had surged by three hundred percent, with high-profile guests flying in from around the world to support the resort.
I sat in my restored penthouse office, looking out over the panoramic ocean view through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
My mother’s brass lamp shone brightly on my mahogany desk, surrounded by clean, balanced financial ledgers.
Charlotte walked into the office, dressed in a comfortable casual sweater, carrying two glasses of iced tea.
“You look like you actually belong here now, Amelia,” Charlotte smiled, setting a glass on my desk.
“It feels different when you aren't building on top of a lie,” I replied, taking a sip of the cold tea.
“How is the trial preparation going in Manhattan?”
“Richard accepted a twenty-year plea deal this morning,” Charlotte reported, taking a seat in the velvet armchair.
“Vanessa’s lawyers are trying to negotiate for fifteen, but the prosecutor isn't budging.”
“And Arthur?” I asked, my voice remaining completely neutral.
“Dad is facing life without parole in a federal maximum-security facility,” Charlotte said quietly.
“He asked to see you yesterday.”
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I looked out at the ocean waves crashing against the rocks near Pier 9.
“Tell him I’m busy running his resort,” I said without hesitation.
