Chapter 23 - A NEW BEGINNING
Two months later, the sun shone brightly over a beautiful three-acre lakefront estate on the outskirts of Evanston, Illinois.
Green lawns stretched down to the blue water, where a private wooden dock held a small vintage sailboat.
Clara stood on the stone patio of her new home, wearing a simple white summer dress as breeze rustled the trees.
Nine-month-old baby Maya was crawling happily across a soft woolen blanket on the grass, chasing a golden retriever puppy.
David Cole walked out onto the patio carrying two glasses of iced tea, wearing a relaxed navy polo shirt and khakis.
He handed a glass to Clara, stepping up to the stone railing to enjoy the breathtaking view of Lake Michigan.
"The hotel chain's quarterly profits are up fifteen percent since the new board took over, Clara," David shared with a smile.
"And Brenda and Victoria?" Clara asked quietly, taking a slow sip of her cold drink.
"Victoria received fifteen years without parole... Brenda accepted a plea deal for eight years," David reported softly.
"They will never be able to reach you or Maya ever again," David assured her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
May you like
Clara leaned her head against his shoulder, feeling a profound sense of safety and peace wrap around her heart.
***
