Chapter 13 - Chapter 13 - THE DEPARTURE
By Wednesday afternoon, I was officially discharged from St. Jude Medical Center. My strength had returned tenfold, fueled by clean air, proper medication, and the sweet, intoxicating taste of absolute vindication. Marcus had arranged for a private transport to take us directly to the private airstrip, bypassing the city entirely and heading straight for the quiet, rugged coastline of Maine.
As the car rolled past the outer limits of South Hill, I caught a brief glimpse of the estate I had called home for five miserable years. The grand wrought-iron gates were wide open. A large, yellow municipal padlock hung from the front door handles, and a bright orange notice of FORECLOSURE AND SEIZURE was plastered across the pristine glass windows.
Parked awkwardly on the curbside was a battered U-Haul rental truck. Ethan was standing on the lawn, his expensive designer suit rumpled and dirty, furiously arguing with a court-appointed bailiff while Patricia stood nearby, clutching a single cardboard box as if it were all she had left in the world. They looked small, pathetic, and utterly defeated—two wretched creatures who had tried to build an empire on deceit, only to be crushed by the very foundation they undermined.
I didn't roll down the window. I didn't wave goodbye. I simply watched them fade into the background as the car accelerated down the highway, heading toward the horizon.
"Tickets and clearance are all set for Maine," Marcus announced, closing his laptop. "The coastal home has been thoroughly prepped by the trust staff. No reporters, no corporate sharks, no toxic ex-husbands. Just pine trees, ocean breeze, and complete peace."
May you like
"And my law practice?" I asked, turning to look at my loyal friend.
"Operating remotely under your maiden name," Marcus smiled. "You're officially back in business, counselor. Only this time, you're taking on corporate restructuring and asset protection—starting with dismantling what's left of Vance Enterprises for pennies on the dollar."
