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THE BILLION-DOLLAR HEIRESS RETURNS: HOW THE HARGROVES LOST EVERYTHING / Chapter 8 / 10

Chapter 8 - The Ashes of the HargrovesThree weeks after the collapse of Hargrove Holdings, the grand mansion on the hill was scheduled for demolition.

The city had condemned the property due to unpaid municipal taxes and structural code violations that Eleanor had ignored for decades while spending her reserve funds on high-society galas.

I stood by the wrought-iron gates, watching the heavy yellow bulldozers parked on the manicured lawn. The morning sun was breaking through the autumn fog, casting a golden glow over the sprawling estate that had once symbolized unassailable wealth and aristocratic power.

Julian Vance walked up beside me, holding a black leather folder.

"The final liquidation is complete, Miss Vance," Julian reported formally. "All corporate debts have been settled. The Hargrove family name has been officially delisted from the corporate registry. As for Eleanor and Grant..."

"Where are they?" I asked, not taking my eyes off the house.

"Mrs. Hargrove is living in a modest state-subsidized care facility on the outskirts of the city. None of her high-society friends have visited her once. As for Grant... he took a job managing inventory at a hardware warehouse down by the docks."

A faint, ironic smile touched my lips. "An honest day's work for once."

"Indeed," Julian agreed. He hesitated for a moment before handing me a crisp, heavy envelope. "There was one piece of mail forwarded from the old estate address yesterday. It's addressed to you."

I took the envelope. The handwriting was messy, hurried, and smeared with ink.

I opened it and pulled out a single sheet of cheap lined paper.

Clara, If you're reading this, it means I finally lost everything that mattered. I remember the night in the foyer. I remember telling you to get on your knees. If I could go back in time, I would break my own hands before I ever raised them against you. I used to think I was the king of that house. I didn't realize the entire kingdom was standing on your shoulders. I hope you found whatever you were looking for. — Grant.

I stared at the letter for a long moment, watching the wind catch the edges of the cheap paper and flutter it against my coat.

I didn't feel anger. I didn't feel pity. I felt the profound, crystal-clear lightness of absolute closure.

I folded the letter neatly and slipped it into my pocket.

May you like

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"Burn it with the house, Julian," I said quietly.

"Yes, Miss Vance."

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