Chapter 7 - Reclaiming the Past
The news of Julian Gregory’s arrest and Arthur Vance’s miraculous return sent shockwaves through the financial world. Within twenty-four hours, the board unanimously reinstated Arthur as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Vance Financial, while state prosecutors seized all of Julian’s assets to repay the stolen funds.
Three weeks later.
A warm spring sun illuminated the quiet suburban neighborhood where Nora and June had lived for seven years.
A moving truck was parked outside the small, sagging bungalow, while two men carried the last of their modest belongings into the vehicle.
June stood in the small backyard, wearing new leather shoes—with perfectly matching pink laces—watching a bright yellow butterfly hover above the overgrown grass where she had stood three weeks ago.
Arthur walked out through the back door, wearing a comfortable sweater and slacks, a warm mug of tea in his hand. He walked over and knelt beside June, watching the butterfly with her.
"Did it come back?" Arthur asked softly.
June nodded, pointing her little finger. "It's the same one, Dad. I think it was waiting for you."
Arthur smiled, pulling her gently into his side and kissing her forehead. "I think it was sending me an angel, June."
Nora walked out onto the porch, wearing a beautiful floral dress, carrying a small wooden keepsake box. She walked down the steps and stood beside them, looking at the house that had been her fortress and her prison for so long.
"Everything is packed," Nora said, her eyes glistening with a mixture of old memories and new hope.
Arthur stood up, taking Nora’s hand and lacing his fingers through hers. "Are you ready to go home?"
"Where is our new home?" June asked, taking Arthur’s other hand.
"It's a house on the coast," Arthur said, looking down at his daughter with eyes overflowing with warmth. "With a big garden, an apple tree in the front yard, and a bedroom facing the ocean just for you."
May you like
June’s face lit up with a brilliant smile. "Can we get a dog?"
Arthur laughed—a rich, happy sound that seemed to chase away seven years of dark clouds. "We can get two dogs if you want."
