Chapter 18 - The Golden Dog
Spring arrived, melting the snow and bringing vibrant life back to the estate.
Arthur Sterling split his time between ruling his corporate empire in Chicago and living at the upstate house with Sarah and Toby. He had officially adopted the boy, giving him the Sterling name, not for legacy, but because he genuinely loved him as a son.
Julian and Clara had pled guilty to avoid trial, and were both serving twenty-five-year sentences in federal prison. The betrayal was a closed chapter.
It was a warm Saturday afternoon. Arthur was sitting on the back porch, typing an email on his laptop. He was no longer using a wheelchair, and his cane rested forgotten against the wall. His physical therapy had been brutally successful.
"Arthur! Look!"
Arthur looked up. Toby was running across the green lawn, holding the leash of a golden retriever puppy. The dog was tripping over its own oversized paws, barking happily as it chased a butterfly.
"He likes the grass!" Toby yelled, laughing hysterically as the puppy tackled him to the ground in a flurry of licks.
Sarah walked out onto the porch, carrying a tray of lemonade. She smiled, watching her son and the dog. She set the tray down and sat next to Arthur, resting her head on his shoulder.
"He finally got his dog," Sarah murmured.
May you like
Arthur wrapped an arm around her, kissing the top of her head. He looked at Toby, then at the green grass, the blue sky, and the cozy house behind them.
A sudden realization hit him.
