“The lawyers can handle the rest of the divorce and the trial.”

“I have rented a small cottage near the coast.”

“It is quiet there.”

Marcus smiled gently.

“You have earned some peace,” he said.

He stood up and extended his hand.

“If you need anything, you know where to find me.”

“Thank you, Marcus,” I said, shaking his hand.

“For everything.”

He walked back inside, leaving me alone in the courtyard.

I looked up at the brick facade of Whitaker House.

The windows were clean, reflecting the blue sky.

The shadow of the Caldwell dynasty had finally lifted, leaving behind only the solid, honest foundation my mother had built.

I stood up, walked back inside, and closed the heavy oak door behind me.