Chapter 9 - The Shadow of the Past
That evening, after Hope was fast asleep in her nursery, the three siblings sat around the stone fireplace in the living room, drinking red wine as the waves crashed gently against the shore outside.
The television in the corner was muted, playing a documentary on historical corporate scandals.
"I received a report from ADX Florence today," Elias said quietly, swirling his wine in his glass.
Marissa didn't flinch. She looked up from her book, her expression calm and unbothered. "Cole?"
"Yes," Elias said. "His third appeal was denied by the Second Circuit Court. His private legal team has officially abandoned him. He’s working in the prison laundry room for twelve cents an hour."
Marissa remained silent for a moment, looking into the crackling fire.
Three years ago, hearing that name would have caused her heart to race, her hands to shake, and her body to freeze in terror. But tonight, surrounded by the warmth of her family, in a home built on strength and love, she felt nothing.
"Do you ever regret not letting him die that night, Jules?" Marissa asked softly, looking at her younger brother.
Julian set his glass down on the wooden table. He leaned back against the leather armchair, his eyes reflecting the warm amber light of the flames.
"Death would have been easy for him, Rissa," Julian said, his voice quiet and firm. "A bullet is quick. Dying is a matter of seconds. But living every single day of his life knowing that he is nothing, that his name is erased, that his money is gone, and that the daughter he tried to destroy is thriving without him... that is a real punishment."
Elias smiled faintly, raising his glass. "To the truth that always finds the light."
May you like
Marissa raised her glass, clicking it gently against her brothers' glasses. "To family."
They drank together, the quiet comfort of their bond filling the room—a bond that had been tested through fire, blood, and tears, but had emerged entirely unbreakable.
