Chapter 21
A year flew by,
like a pleasant dream,
full of great success.
The Sterling-Dupont alliance,
worked like a clock,
without any major flaws.
Clara spent her time,
traveling the world over,
visiting her global ports.
She established charitable foundations,
helping young girls learn,
business and technology skills.
She wanted to give,
back to the world,
that had saved her.
One evening in autumn,
she received a phone,
call from prison warden.
Julian Vance had passed,
away in his sleep,
from a sudden heart,
attack in his cell.
He was buried quietly,
in the prison cemetery,
without any family present.
Clara felt no sadness,
only a final closing,
of a dark chapter.
The man who tortured,
her early life was,
now dust in ground.
Victoria Vance remained alone,
in her separate cell,
refusing to speak anyone.
She had lost everything,
her husband her money,
and her proud name.
Clara walked to deck,
holding a glass of,
fine red vintage wine.
She poured a little,
into the dark river,
as a final goodbye,
to the old ghost,
that had haunted her.
"Rest in peace Julian,"
she whispered to wind,
"you can never hurt,
anyone ever again now."
The water rippled softly,
accepting her offering under,
the silver bright moon.
She turned back inside,
leaving the past behind,
stepping into warm light,
of her grand office,
May you like
where her true life,
was meant to be.
