Chapter 7 - A Mother’s Retaliation
As the officers began leading a shouting Mark out the door, Patricia threw herself at my feet, weeping uncontrollably.
“Claire! Please! Think of the family! Think of Lily! She needs her father and her grandmother!” Patricia sobbed, reaching out to touch my hem.
I stepped back, looking down at her with no hatred, only deep disgust.
“When Lily was burning up with a 104-degree fever, you cared more about crystal glasses and dinner guests than her life,” I said softly. “You told Mark to slap me, and you said I made him do it. You don't care about Lily, Patricia. You only care about yourself.”
“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!” she cried, her expensive makeup running down her face.
“It’s too late,” I said coldly.
Richard Sterling handed a stack of legal documents to Edward, who was slumped in an armchair, staring blankly at the wall.
“Furthermore, Mr. Stanton,” Sterling added, “the Securities and Exchange Commission has been provided with full documentation of the dual accounting records found at Stanton Global. Federal agents are currently on their way to arrest you and Mark for wire fraud and falsifying corporate financial statements.”
Edward let out a defeated groan, burying his face in his hands.
Within minutes, federal agents arrived, taking Edward into custody as well. The grand Stanton empire, built on lies, arrogance, and cruelty, crumbled to dust in less than two hours.
I walked out of the mansion onto the front porch, taking a deep breath of the fresh morning air. For seven years, I had felt trapped in a dark, toxic web. Today, the sun felt warmer, and the sky looked brighter than it ever had before.
May you like
My father walked out behind me, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Are you ready to go home, Claire?”
“Yes, Dad,” I smiled, tears of relief leaking from my eyes. “Take me to my daughter.”
