Chapter 14 - Maren Faces The Choice That Will Change Everything
The helicopter lifted off the coastal cliffs, carrying Viktor Mercer away toward federal detention in Manhattan. Maren, Celestine, and Elodie walked slowly down the long gravel path toward the main estate house.
Federal agents were busy cataloging centuries of stolen art, hidden gold bullion, and illegal offshore paperwork. As they reached the grand double doors of the mansion, a legal attaché approached Maren with a thick envelope.
"Mrs. Vale, as the primary surviving blood heir, you now hold temporary receivership of the Mercer estate," the attaché explained. Maren stared at the heavy paper envelope stamped with federal wax seals.
"I don't want their money, or their house, or their shipping empire," Maren stated clearly. "You can liquidate everything and distribute the funds to the victims they exploited."
The attaché nodded respectfully, noting her instructions on his digital tablet without a single argument. Celestine looked at Maren in astonishment, wiping the last of her tears from her cheeks.
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"You're just walking away from four billion dollars?" Celestine asked in disbelief. "Money built this cage, Celestine. I'm taking my daughter and walking out into the sun," Maren replied with a peaceful smile.
Elodie pointed toward a bright red vintage sports car parked near the fountain. "Can we drive that car, Mommy?" the little girl asked cheerfully. Maren laughed out loud for the first time in three years.
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