Chapter 10 - The First SunriseThe city below was quiet as the evening stars began to prick the bruised purple canvas of the Manhattan sky.
I stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of my penthouse apartment—not the one Dominic had owned, but a new home I had purchased entirely in my own name, overlooking the sprawling lights of the river.
Maya was asleep in her crib down the hall, breathing softly, her tiny chest rising and falling in a rhythm that felt like peace.
The front door unlocked with a gentle click.
Simone stepped into the foyer, kicking off her heels with a dramatic sigh and tossing her briefcase onto the entryway bench.
"The merger filings are officially archived, the federal audit is officially closed, and we are, as of 5:00 PM today, legally and financially completely independent of every single mistake of our past," Simone announced, walking into the kitchen and opening the refrigerator. "Please tell me you have champagne, or at least very expensive sparkling cider."
I walked out from the living room, holding a mug of chamomile tea, and smiled.
"Sparkling cider," I said, handing her a crystal flute. "We have responsibilities tomorrow morning. The London expansion board meets at 8:00 AM."
Simone poured the cider, raised her glass toward mine, and clinked it lightly.
"To Vance Global," Simone toasted, her eyes bright with respect. "And to the woman who burned down the temple and built a fortress from the ashes."
I raised my mug in response, taking a slow sip as I looked out at the glowing horizon.
May you like
"To clarity," I whispered.
The past was behind us. The ledgers were clean. And for the first time in my life, the future belonged entirely to us.
