Chapter 18 - What Remained
The final investigation destroyed what remained of the old empire.
The offshore accounts were seized.
The conspirators were prosecuted.
The Cole name became associated with scandal.
Nathan stopped caring.
One year later, he returned to the courthouse.
Not for a trial.
For a ceremony.
He had established a foundation for families harmed by corporate corruption.
Grace stood beside him.
Lily held his hand.
After the ceremony, Nathan looked at Grace.
“Do you remember the first time we met?”
Grace laughed.
“You spilled coffee on me.”
“You were carrying twelve books.”
“And you made me drop all of them.”
“I apologized.”
“You did.”
“And then you gave me your number.”
Grace smiled.
“I did.”
Nathan took a breath.
“Would you do it again?”
Grace looked at Lily.
Then at Nathan.
“Yes.”
Nathan smiled.
But Grace wasn't finished.
“On one condition.”
“What?”
“No more secrets.”
Nathan nodded.
“Never again.”
Lily suddenly grabbed both their hands.
“Can we get ice cream?”
Grace laughed.
Nathan smiled.
“Absolutely.”
They walked down the courthouse steps together.
Not as a billionaire family.
Not as heirs.
Not as victims.
May you like
Just three people finally allowed to live.
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