“She deserves to know her father tried to apologize,” he said, his voice rising slightly. “You can’t keep her from me forever.”

“You abandoned her while she was being born,” I said. “You tried to steal her grandmother’s legacy. If you have something to say, you can say it to the court at your sentencing.”

I stood up, adjusting the lapels of my coat.

“I have nothing more to say to you,” I added.

I turned and walked toward the door, Naomi following closely behind me.

As the heavy door clicked shut behind us, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders.

The twenty-million-dollar trust was completely secure.

The house in Alexandria was mine, free and clear of any fraudulent liens.

The divorce would be finalized within the month.

We walked out of the courthouse and into the cold afternoon air.

The sun was beginning to set, casting long orange shadows across the concrete plaza.

“Are you alright?” Naomi asked as we reached the curb where the sergeant was waiting.

“I am,” I said, looking out over the city. “For the first time in years, I feel like I can breathe.”