Chapter 8 - The Price of Arrogance
Six months passed.
Spring had arrived, turning the grounds of the Ashford Estate into a vibrant sea of blooming cherry blossoms and lush green grass. Clara was thriving—a happy, energetic baby who laughed at the sound of birds singing outside her window and loved spending her afternoons lying on a blanket under the trees while I worked on my tablet.
Life had returned to a beautiful, productive rhythm. Ashford Capital was booming, having successfully repurposed the former Vale Development assets into affordable housing projects and eco-friendly commercial spaces, earning praise across the industry.
One afternoon, Harrison arrived at the estate carrying an official court ledger and a small stack of correspondence.
"How are my favorite ladies doing today?" Harrison asked with a warm smile, crouching down to let Clara grab his silver pocket watch chain.
"We're wonderful, Harrison," I replied, sitting down on the outdoor terrace sofa. "What brings you out here today?"
"A final accounting update regarding the Vale bankruptcy proceedings," Harrison said, sitting across from me and opening his folder. "The bankruptcy court has officially finalized the liquidation of Victor and Celeste's personal assets."
"What's left?" I asked smoothly.
"Virtually nothing," Harrison revealed. "After paying off their federal fraud fines, back taxes, and outstanding legal fees to their former attorneys, Victor and Celeste were left with less than twelve thousand dollars combined. Their mansion was sold at public auction yesterday to a private educational foundation."
I took a sip of my iced tea. "Where are they living now?"
"In a modest two-bedroom rented apartment in the outer suburbs," Harrison replied. "Celeste tried to apply for credit cards last week, but her credit score is non-existent. Victor is currently under house arrest awaiting his sentencing hearing for the offshore tax evasion charges."
"And Adrian?"
"I received a report from the state correctional facility yesterday," Harrison said, his tone turning serious. "Adrian's petition for early work release was flatly denied by the parole board due to multiple disciplinary infractions inside the prison. He will serve his full ten-year sentence."
I looked over at Clara, who was giggling as she kicked her tiny feet in the grass.
"They spent their whole lives believing that money and power gave them the right to trample over people," I said thoughtfully. "Now they have neither."
"There is one more thing," Harrison added, pulling a small letter from his pocket. "Celeste sent a handwritten letter to our corporate offices last week. She requested permission to visit Clara once a month."
I took the letter, looking at the familiar, elegant handwriting that had once written dismissive notes to me during my marriage. The letter was full of desperate pleas, claiming she was an aging grandmother who deserved to know her bloodline.
I folded the letter neatly and handed it back to Harrison. "Tell her no."
"Are you sure?" Harrison asked gently.
May you like
"Blood does not make a family, Harrison," I said firmly. "Character does. Celeste stood by and cheered while her son hit a pregnant woman. She does not get to play the loving grandmother now that she has lost her status. My daughter will be surrounded by people who protect her, not people who view her as a trophy."
Harrison nodded approvingly. "Consider it done."
