Part 16
Three weeks had passed since that chaotic night,
and the summer sun was warm,
shining brightly over our small suburban house.
The garden was in full bloom,
the roses casting a sweet fragrance through the open kitchen window,
where Lily was busy preparing breakfast.
The house felt alive again,
filled with the sounds of classical music,
and the clinking of dishes that had been silent for too long.
I sat at the wooden dining table,
reading through the final legal briefs sent by Marcus's team,
confirming the total liquidation of Avalon Holdings.
The courts had ruled swiftly,
the evidence being so overwhelming,
that even Victor’s expensive lawyers couldn't find a single loophole.
The trust fund had been restored completely to Lily's name,
secured under a new,
impenetrable legal framework that no one could contest.
"Breakfast is ready,
Dad,"
Lily called out,
walking into the dining room carrying a tray of fresh pastries,
and hot tea.
She looked healthy,
the color having returned to her cheeks,
the shadow of her captivity fading more with each passing day.
"You didn't have to do all this,"
I smiled,
clearing the legal documents away to make room for the food.
"I wanted to,"
she replied,
sitting down across from me,
"It feels good to do normal things again,
without looking over my shoulder."
"You'll never have to look over your shoulder again,"
I assured her,
pouring the tea into two porcelain cups.
"I know,"
she said,
her eyes softening,
"Because I know you're always watching."
Our quiet morning was interrupted by the sharp buzz of the front doorbell,
a sound that made us both pause for a brief second.
The old instincts never truly die,
the subtle tension returning to my shoulders as I stood up,
and walked toward the foyer.
I looked through the small glass pane of the front door,
relaxing when I saw Marcus standing on the porch,
holding a thick manila folder under his arm.
He wasn't wearing his usual dark suit,
instead opting for a casual linen shirt,
looking more like an old friend than a federal director.
I opened the door,
the warm morning breeze sweeping into the hallway along with him.
"Morning,
Daniel,"
Marcus smiled,
stepping inside and wiping his feet on the mat,
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
"Just breakfast,"
I said,
motioning for him to enter the kitchen,
"Lily made pastries,
you're just in time."
"I can never turn down Lily's baking,"
Marcus laughed,
following me into the dining room and greeting my daughter,
with a warm embrace.
He sat down at the table,
placing the heavy folder on the wood,
his expression turning slightly more serious as he looked at me.
"I brought the official closing documents,"
he said,
tapping the folder with his finger,
"The case is officially resolved,
Daniel,
the higher-ups signed off on it yesterday."
"And the assets?"
I asked,
wanting to be absolutely sure every detail was settled.
"Completely secured,"
May you like
Marcus confirmed,
"But that's not the only reason I'm here today."
