Chapter 16
Two weeks later, the autumn weather in Texas turned crisp and clear, bringing a peaceful normalcy back to the Vance estate.
The kitchen where the nightmare had begun was now filled with the sweet scent of baking cookies and warm laughter.
Ethan sat at the kitchen island, helping Lily build a towering Lego castle while the small US flag magnet shone brightly on the fridge.
The dark shadows of Victoria and the Chicago syndicate felt like a distant, faded memory from another lifetime.
Suddenly, the front gate intercom buzzed softly, signaling a visitor at the perimeter wall.
Marcus, who was visiting to review the final trust restructuring documents, checked the security tablet on the kitchen counter.
May you like
"It's a courier delivery from the federal marshal's office, Ethan," Marcus reported, unlocking the front gates remotely.
A few minutes later, the housekeeper walked into the kitchen carrying a small, heavy silver box bearing an official government seal.
