Chapter 6 - The Empty Manor
Within the hour, the grand halls of Blackthorn Manor were entirely silent once more, save for the crackling of the fire in the hearth.
The federal agents had finished executing the warrants. Nathan and Celeste had been led out through the front gates in handcuffs, their expensive coats pulled tight against the biting night wind, their faces hidden from imaginary cameras that weren't even there. The illusion of their total victory had vanished like smoke in a hurricane.
Evelyn walked slowly through the quiet corridors of the house, her hand brushing against the polished wooden banister. Every room that had once felt like a cage of intimidation now felt light, wide open, and entirely her own.
Victor stood by the front entrance, zipping up his trench coat as he prepared to leave for the night. He paused, looking back at his daughter.
“Are you going to stay here tonight?” Victor asked.
Evelyn stopped by the grand grandfather clock in the foyer—the very clock Nathan had threatened to sell off just days prior. She looked at the polished brass pendulum swinging steadily back and forth.
“No, Dad,” Evelyn said, a serene smile touching her lips as she reached up and touched the sapphire pendant around her neck. “There’s nothing left here for me to reclaim. Let the bank liquidate the shell. I’m moving downtown. It’s time to build something real.”
May you like
Victor nodded approvingly, a rare smile warming his weathered features. “Good. I’ll have the legal team meet you at the downtown office tomorrow morning. The entire portfolio is yours to restructure however you see fit.”
With a final nod, Victor turned and stepped out into the night, leaving the heavy oak doors wide open to the fresh, unpolluted air of a brand-new dawn.
