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My right foot—the heavy, unresponsive deadweight that had mocked me from my wheelchair for eight long years—rested slightly askew against the footrest. The tiny twitch was gone, but the phantom burn of it lingered in my nerves like a live wire. / Chapter 19 / 20

Chapter 19 - Standing TallThe sun began to set over the harbor, painting the sky in deep shades of violet, gold, and crimson.

I walked out onto the stone balcony of the master suite, breathing in the crisp, salt-scented air of the sea. Below, in the courtyard garden, Lily and Leo were chasing each other around the marble fountains, their laughter echoing up into the evening breeze.

Marcus stepped quietly onto the balcony behind me.

"Everything is settled, Mr. Marino. The foundation is launched, the bank transfer is complete, and the estate is secure."

I nodded, resting my hands on the wrought-iron railing, looking out over the city I had built, lost, and reclaimed. My legs felt strong, balanced, and completely alive beneath me.

"Good work, Marcus," I said quietly.

"What are your orders for tomorrow, sir?" Marcus asked respectfully.

I looked down into the garden, watching Lily trip over her own sneakers and tumble onto the grass, laughing hysterically as Leo tried to help her up.

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"Tomorrow, Marcus," I smiled, turning away from the balcony to join my family, "we take the kids to the amusement park."

Marcus’s stern face broke into a rare, genuine smile. "Consider it done, Mr. Marino."

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