Chapter 22
Ten minutes later, Dante Moretti and his security team vanished into the dark Vermont night.
The red taillights of their silver SUV faded down the gravel driveway, disappearing into the thick pine forest.
Ethan sat at the dining table, holding the hard drive in his right hand.
He walked over to the fireplace, staring at the bright orange flames dancing over the birch logs.
Without saying a word, he tossed the hard drive directly into the center of the fire.
The plastic casing melted instantly, the internal magnetic platters warping and burning under the intense heat.
Thirty years of corporate corruption, murder secrets, and dark history dissolved into gray ash.
Clara walked up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her cheek against his back.
“It’s really over now,” Clara whispered softly.
“It’s over,” Ethan agreed, turning in her arms and pulling her close.
Downstairs, Lily ran out of the kitchen, holding a fresh warm cookie in each hand.
“Daddy! Look! Sarah made chocolate chip!” Lily cheered, hopping on one foot.
Ethan laughed, a deep, joyful sound that echoed through the warm, pine-scented living room.
May you like
He knelt down and scooped his daughter into his arms, kissing her soft cheek as she giggled.
For the first time in four years, the Vance family was whole, safe, and truly free.
