Chapter 14
Federal marshals immediately placed steel handcuffs on Victoria, hauling her away through the heavy wooden side doors. She did not look back, her face twisted in a mask of pure hatred as she disappeared from public view forever.
Clara exhaled a long, shaky breath, feeling the invisible chains of the past finally shatter away from her soul. She walked out of the courthouse steps into the bright Ohio sunlight, holding Maya's small hand tightly in hers.
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A cluster of reporters and camera crews shouted questions, but Clara simply walked past them toward a waiting taxi. Richard stood near the curb, offering a respectful nod from a safe distance, respecting the boundaries Clara had established.
Clara nodded back once, acknowledging his cooperation before sliding into the backseat of the vehicle with her daughter. They were finally heading home to start a brand new chapter free from fear, manipulation, and control.
