Chapter 19 - THE ASHES OF VENGEANCEBy evening, the name Arthur Sterling joined Ryan Caldwell's in the headlines of every major financial paper in the country. The last remaining architect of the corruption that had poisoned Caldwell Capital was finally behind bars, and Moretti-DeSantis Global stood completely unchallenged at the pinnacle of the corporate world.
I stood on the private balcony of my penthouse, looking out over the glittering expanse of Manhattan as the city lights flickered to life against the evening sky.
Footsteps approached softly behind me, followed by the familiar warmth of a wool jacket draped over my shoulders.
Luca stepped up beside me, handing me a glass of champagne.
"The federal prosecutors called an hour ago," Luca said quietly. "Sterling cut a deal. He's turning over every remaining hidden asset. Within forty-eight hours, every penny of stolen capital will be fully repatriated back to our holdings."
I took a slow sip of the crisp champagne, letting out a breath I felt like I had been holding for years. "It’s finally over, isn't it?"
"The past is finished, Bella," Luca said, turning to face me fully, his dark eyes reflecting the city lights. "Every ghost has been put to rest."
May you like
I looked up at him, feeling a profound sense of peace settling deep into my bones for the first time in my life. The quiet wife Ryan Caldwell had tried to erase was gone forever. In her place stood a woman who owned her world.
"Good," I smiled, clinking my glass against his. "Because I'm ready for the future."
