Chapter 7 - The Light in the Dark
With Arthur in federal custody and the corporate house clean-up underway, Thomas officially resigned as active CEO of Blackwood Holdings, appointing a trusted executive committee to handle the daily operations while he transitioned to Chairman of the Board. He no longer cared about sixty-hour work weeks or quarter-end profit margins; his life had a new, singular priority.
Spring bloomed across Connecticut, painting the rolling hills of Blackwood Manor in vibrant shades of green, yellow, and soft pink.
For the first time in six years, laughter echoed through the vast corridors of the ancient stone estate. Thomas spent his mornings teaching Sophie how to ride her bicycle on the paved garden paths—this time with a proper helmet and a tiny pair of knee pads.
"Keep your eyes forward, little bird!" Thomas cheered, jogging alongside her as Sophie pedaled furiously, her dark hair flying in the warm wind.
"Look, Daddy! No training wheels!" Sophie giggled, her bright blue eyes sparkling with pure, unadulterated happiness.
Clara sat on the patio terrace, holding a cup of tea, watching them with a warm, peaceful smile. The pale, anxious woman who had lived in fear in a small suburban house was gone. In her place was a woman restored—confident, loved, and whole.
Thomas caught Sophie as she brought the bike to a safe stop near the patio. He lifted her high into the air, making her squeal with delight, before setting her down on the soft grass.
"Daddy?" Sophie asked, wiping a strand of hair from her forehead.
"Yes, my princess?"
"Are we always going to live in the big house with the flowers?"
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Thomas knelt down, wrapping his arms around her small shoulders, looking up at Clara who walked down the stone steps to join them.
"Yes, Sophie," Thomas said gently, kissing her cheek. "We are going to live here together forever. No more lost castles. No more hide-and-seek."
