Chapter 9 - The Unbroken Circle
Six months after the collapse of the Bennett dynasty, autumn had settled over Chicago, turning the leaves along the lakefront into brilliant shades of amber and gold.
I had returned to my career in architectural preservation, landing a major contract to restore a historic district on the North Side. The work was demanding, but it was mine. Every blueprint I drew, every building I helped save, was built on honest work and real foundation—nothing fake, nothing hidden.
Maddie had started kindergarten at a wonderful neighborhood school just down the street from our new apartment. She had made friends, learned how to play soccer, and laughed every single day without the heavy, stifling shadow of a grand estate hanging over her head.
On a crisp Saturday afternoon, we sat together on a wooden bench in Lincoln Park, watching the sailboats glide across the blue expanse of Lake Michigan.
Maddie leaned against my shoulder, holding a half-eaten pretzel in her hand. "Mommy?"
"Yes, sweetie?"
"Are we poor now?" she asked innocently, tilting her head up to look at me.
I laughed, wrapping my arms around her and pulling her close. "No, baby girl, we aren't poor at all. In fact, we are the richest people in the world."
"Why?"
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"Because we have each other," I whispered, kissing the top of her head. "And we don't ever have to pretend to be anything we aren't."
She smiled, satisfied with the answer, and turned her attention back to the sailboats dancing across the water.
