Chapter 14 - Reclaiming the Castle
The renovation took precisely three weeks, funded entirely by my secret tech stock dividends.
I stayed in the luxurious hotel, enjoying daily massages, room service, and the peace of mind I truly deserved.
During that time, Marcus’s public defender tried to reach out to Arthur to negotiate a plea deal.
They offered a guilty plea for a reduced sentence if I agreed to drop the civil lawsuit.
I laughed out loud when Arthur relayed the pathetic offer over the phone.
"Tell them I want every single penny they have ever earned, and I want them to rot in a cell," I declared fiercely.
Arthur chuckled, clearly proud of the absolute warrior I had become.
"I will personally deliver the rejection, Margaret," he promised.
When the contractors finally finished the house, Arthur drove me back to my property.
I stepped out of the car, breathing in the crisp Michigan air, and looked at my beautiful home.
The outside was pristine, the landscaping completely redone, and the shattered glass was a thing of the past.
I walked up the front steps, turned my key in the lock, and pushed the heavy oak door open.
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The house smelled like fresh paint, expensive wood polish, and total, unadulterated freedom.
I had finally taken my life back.
