Chapter 9 - A New Foundation
Six months later, spring had arrived on Cape Cod. Wildflowers bloomed along the cliffs, and the triplets were now seven months old—crawling, babbling, and keeping Ethan and Claire on their toes every second of the day.
Lucas was the quiet thinker, possessing Ethan’s intense gray-blue eyes and dark hair. Emma was the energetic adventurer, constantly trying to haul herself up on table legs. Grace was the cuddle bug, who would only fall asleep if she was snuggled against Claire or Ethan’s chest.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Ethan stood in the backyard of the estate, directing a crew of carpenters who were finishing a massive, custom wooden playground complete with triple slides, swings, and a elevated playhouse.
Marcus Vance, Ethan’s head of security, walked up to the edge of the lawn, holding a legal folder.
"Mr. Caldwell," Marcus said respectfully. "The final liquidation of the old Caldwell Enterprises assets was completed this morning. All proceeds have been court-ordered into the victim restitution fund for the pension holders."
Ethan nodded, watching the carpenters work. "And my parents?"
"Victor began serving his sentence at the Allenwood federal facility yesterday," Marcus reported. "Margaret has moved to an apartment in Florida under court supervision. Neither of them has attempted to make contact."
"Good," Ethan said simply. "Let’s keep it that way."
Julian Vance stepped onto the lawn as well, wearing a casual polo shirt instead of his usual legal suit. He held two ice-cold beers, handing one to Ethan.
"You look different, Ethan," Julian remarked, looking at his old friend. "A year ago, you were working eighty hours a week, screaming at board members, and looking like you were going to have a heart attack before forty."
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Ethan took a sip of beer, watching Claire walk out onto the back deck carrying Lucas while Sarah followed with Emma and Grace. Claire wore a simple white summer dress, her laughter echoing across the green grass as Lucas splashed his hands in a small water bowl.
"I was chasing my father's ghost back then, Julian," Ethan said softly, his eyes filled with warmth. "Now I'm just living."
