Chapter 14 - The Aftermath
Four months later. Spring had finally thawed the high Colorado passes, turning the mountains into a vibrant, brilliant green.
The estate had been completely repaired. The shattered windows were replaced with bulletproof glass, the burnt foyer had been restored, and the heavy steel gates were functional once again. But the house didn't feel like a fortress anymore.
It felt like a home.
Elias sat on the wraparound wooden deck, holding a mug of hot coffee. His shoulder still ached when it rained, a permanent reminder of the night he went to war, but his surgical hands were as steady as ever.
Inside the house, the sound of chaotic laughter echoed through the open glass doors. Maya was chasing her little brother, Leo, across the living room floor, while Marta fed baby Sam in the kitchen.
Julian Vance was in a federal penitentiary, denied bail, facing three consecutive life sentences for murder, conspiracy, and attempted murder. His financial empire had been seized by the government. The hitmen he hired were cooperating fully for reduced sentences. The monster was locked in a cage he would never leave.
Elias took a sip of his coffee, looking out over the panoramic view he had ignored for the past eight years. He had spent so long trying to keep the world out, believing that isolation was the only way to maintain control.
May you like
He pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket. It was the sole custody petition Clara had signed, stamped by the judge just two days prior.
He was officially their father now.
