Chapter 21 - THE END OF THE HUNT
Marcus was arrested three days later.
He was found near the Vermont property, carrying a passport, cash, and a folder containing photographs of my family.
The evidence against him was overwhelming.
But when I saw him in court, I felt no satisfaction.
Only exhaustion.
He looked at me across the room.
“You think you won?”
I shook my head.
“This isn't a game.”
He smiled bitterly.
“You still don't understand your father.”
“Maybe.”
I stepped closer.
“But I understand you.”
He lowered his eyes.
“You spent decades believing control could protect you.”
“And you think you're different?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I'm stopping.”
His expression changed.
That answer seemed to anger him more than hatred would have.
The judge ordered him held without bail.
The old chain was finally breaking.
Dante would face his own charges.
Vivien would stand trial separately.
And I was done chasing ghosts.
For the first time in years, I wanted something simpler.
A quiet house.
A healthy child.
A woman who didn't have to apologize for breathing.
I walked outside.
Clara and Emma were waiting.
Emma ran toward me.
“Did it work?”
I smiled.
“Yes.”
May you like
She hugged me.
“Then we're going home.”
