Margaret walked over to the bassinet.

She looked down at Amelia, a rare, soft smile appearing on her face.

“She slept through the whole thing,” Margaret said.

“She has her mother’s strength.”

I let out a breath I felt like I had been holding for months.

“Is it really over?” I asked.

“For Nathan, it is just beginning,” Margaret said.

“The grand jury indicted him this afternoon.”

“Sloane Vale is next.”

Margaret sat on the edge of my bed and patted my hand.

“The police are seizing Vale Concepts’ business assets as we speak.”

“The penthouse is yours, Clara.”

“Entirely yours.”

***

I spent three more days in the hospital.

The staff monitored Amelia’s breathing until they were satisfied she was healthy and strong.

When we were discharged, the air outside was crisp and clean.

The rain had stopped, leaving the city streets glistening under the autumn sun.

Margaret met us at the entrance of the hospital in her black sedan.

We drove through the city in silence.

Amelia was strapped securely into her car seat in the back, sleeping peacefully.