Chapter 10
579words
One sun-drenched afternoon, I sat with Eve reviewing a business proposal.
As Eve studied the documents with intense focus, my phone rang. My assistant's voice carried a note of satisfaction.
"Ms. Woods, everything back in China has unfolded exactly as you predicted."
She paused briefly before continuing with professional precision.
"The Harrisons rushed Jessica into marriage. Barely two weeks later, court officials arrived with news of Grant Corporation's thirty-million-dollar debt."
"Since Jessica and Felix legally inherited all Grant assets, the court has ruled the Harrison family jointly liable for the entire debt."
I watched Eve's brow furrow in concentration over the proposal as I asked quietly:
"And Victoria?"
"She flew into a rage when she heard the news—wanted your head on a platter. But you and Eve had already vanished from the city."
"She somehow tracked you to this country and was at the airport buying tickets when Edward Harrison caught up with her."
My assistant's voice took on a note of barely suppressed glee.
"Harrison slammed the debt records in her face, accusing her of orchestrating an elaborate con. They caused quite the scene."
"Victoria was dragged away by Harrison's security team. She's become the scandal of the season back home."
I allowed myself a small smile. "And the evidence we submitted?"
"The evidence proving Felix's role in Charles's death was accepted by the court. Combined with the fraud charges, he's been sentenced to five years in prison."
My assistant's tone turned more formal.
"Regarding Victoria Palmer, your evidence for human trafficking was irrefutable."
"Forcing Jessica to assume a false identity, arranging a coerced marriage, and restricting her freedom—the court sentenced Victoria to three years."
Papers shuffled on the other end of the line.
"Jessica is now trapped in the Harrison household, forced to work off the debt with extortionate interest. With both Victoria and Felix imprisoned, she's completely broken."
"She filed for divorce yesterday. Word is she'll be working menial jobs for the rest of her life just to cover the interest payments."
I gazed out at the endless horizon where azure sky met sapphire sea. The salt-laden breeze washed over me, carrying away the last traces of bitterness from my heart.
I spoke quietly into the phone:
"The remaining assets have been transferred. You should join us soon. I've arranged everything for your arrival."
After ending the call, Eve slid her annotated proposal across the table to me.
"Mom, what do you think of my approach?"
Instead of answering, I gently brushed a strand of hair from her face.
"Eve, sweetheart, are you happy with this life? Is all this business training too much for you?"
Eve's eyes met mine, blazing with quiet determination.
"I love this life, Mom."
"The work is challenging, but that's what makes it worthwhile."
"I want to build something of my own—something that lets me take care of you, instead of depending on anyone else."
I pulled her into my arms, both of us gazing out at the endless ocean.
The setting sun stretched our shadows across the terrace while the sea glittered like scattered diamonds on midnight velvet.
All those years of calculated patience in the Grant household, all the heartbreak and betrayal—they were finally just fading memories.
From now on, Eve and I would write our own story, on pages that belonged only to us.
