Within an hour, the grand ballroom was empty.

The chandeliers cast long shadows across the polished floor.

I sat on the edge of the stage, holding the small plastic-wrapped paper.

Matteo sat down on the step below me.

“You did it, Vivian,” he said softly.

“Your mother would be very proud.”

“Thank you, Matteo,” I said. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“The dress is safe,” he said, looking at the Celestia gown which Sloane had left on a chair.

“I will take it back to the shop and repair the lining.”

“Please do,” I said.

Grace walked over, her phone still in her hand.

“The bank accounts have been frozen,” she said.

“The transition of the Bennett Trust back to you is underway.”

“What about the Ashford Foundation?” I asked.

“It will be dissolved by noon tomorrow,” Grace said.

“You have full control of Aster Hall again.”

I looked up at the high ceiling, feeling the weight of the old house.

It felt lighter now, as if a dark cloud had finally moved away.

“I want to walk the grounds,” I said.