The storm had completely passed, leaving a pristine, quiet landscape behind.

Inside the kitchen, the warmth had returned.

The main power was back on, and the aroma of hot cocoa filled the air.

Emma, Lily, Sophie, and Grace sat on the high stools at the kitchen island.

They were drinking from small ceramic mugs, their faces bright and relaxed.

They were talking about building a snowman in the yard later.

Nathan walked in, wearing a soft gray sweater.

He looked tired, but the tension that had gripped his face for months was gone.

He sat down next to Grace and kissed her cheek.

“How is the cocoa, girls?” he asked.

“Good!” they chorused.

He looked up at me as I poured myself a cup of coffee.

“The district attorney called,” Nathan said.

“Vanessa and Julian are being charged with multiple federal offenses.”

“Corporate espionage, attempted grand larceny, and child endangerment.”

“The evidence from the security feed is ironclad.”

“They won’t be getting out for a long time.”

“I’m glad,” I said, leaning against the counter.

“But what about the company?”