Chapter 7 - Dawn at the Estate
By 4:00 a.m., the grand estate was entirely empty of guests.
The glittering chandeliers had been dimmed. The three hundred chairs in the ballroom sat vacant, draped in white linen covers. Outside, flashing blue and red lights from federal vehicles cut through the falling snow, casting eerie geometric patterns across the mahogany walls.
Margaret Westwood and Madison Cole were currently seated in the back of separate unmarked federal SUVs, handcuffed and surrounded by armed agents. The indictment was sweeping: conspiracy to commit murder, wire fraud, embezzlement, and obstruction of justice.
Caleb sat alone in the corner of the library, head in his hands, shattered by the realization of what his family had truly become.
Upstairs in the master suite, the door to Claire’s dressing room remained wide open.
Adrian stood inside the room, holding a single framed photograph of Claire laughing on a beach in Maui, her brown hair blowing in the sea breeze.
A soft knock sounded at the doorframe.
Adrian turned. Rachel Bennett stood there, holding little Emma by the hand. The little girl was clutching her stuffed rabbit, her heavy eyelids drooping with exhaustion.
"Mr. Westwood," Rachel said softly, her voice hesitant. "The federal agents took our statements. They said we're free to go whenever we're ready."
Adrian set the photograph down on the vanity. He walked over and knelt down to be at eye level with Emma.
"Thank you, Emma," Adrian said, his voice gentle and warm—a tone he hadn't used in three years. "You saved my life tonight. And you saved your mother's job. In fact... I think it's time your mother received a promotion."
Emma blinked sleepily, offering a tiny, gap-toothed smile. "Can I keep the rabbit?"
Adrian smiled—a real, genuine smile that reached his eyes for the first time since the rain-soaked night in Lake Forest.
"You can keep anything you want, sweetheart," Adrian said. "This house is yours now too."
May you like
Rachel wiped a tear from her cheek, smiling through her exhaustion. "Thank you, Mr. Westwood. Truly."
"Go get some rest, Rachel," Adrian said softly. "Tomorrow, we start cleaning house."
