“I will continue to carry his legacy, and I will ensure that his name is remembered for his honor, not the lies that followed his passing.”

I paused, letting the words hang in the air.

“Thank you,” I said.

I stepped back and saluted the General.

The applause rose again, even louder this time.

As I walked down the steps of the stage, Captain Hayes stood up, followed by the rest of the front row.

Soon, the entire room was on its feet.

Except for Helen and Michael.

They remained seated, two dark islands in a sea of standing officers.

I walked past them without looking back, heading toward the side exit where General Drummond was waiting.

Drummond smiled as I reached him.

“Well spoken, Emerson,” he said, shaking my hand. “Your father would have been proud of every word.”

“Thank you, sir,” I said.

“The administrative board has finished its review,” Drummond said, his voice dropping so only I could hear. “The family estate has been officially restored to your name.”

“And Michael?” I asked.