My mother slapped me twice at my engagement party because I refused to hand over my $60,000 inheritance to my sister. Everyone witnessed her trying to humiliate me in front of the people I loved – but what she didn't know was that I had made a decision that would destroy the life she had built on controlling me. / Chapter 38 / 40

Chapter 38 - The New Empire|

The aftermath of Victor Thorne’s arrest dominated the global news for weeks. The FBI dismantled the criminal syndicate using the digital ledger Natalie provided. Marcus Sterling’s corrupt politicians were indicted, and the violent enforcers were locked away in federal prisons.

Natalie took full control of Thorne Global. She fired the corrupt board members, restructured the assets, and transformed the blood-soaked hedge fund into a massive philanthropic foundation.

Her mother was legally exiled. Natalie gave her a modest stipend and a one-way ticket to a remote villa in Europe, warning her never to contact Chloe or herself ever again. It was a mercy the woman didn't deserve, but it was the final cord cut from their abusive past.

Six months later, the crisp autumn breeze blew through the open windows of Natalie’s suburban home.

Chloe was in the living room, excitedly packing a suitcase. She had been accepted into a prestigious art residency in Paris. She looked radiant, entirely unburdened by the ghosts of their childhood.

“Are you sure you don't want to come with me?” Chloe asked, hugging Natalie tightly.

“I have an empire to run here,” Natalie smiled, squeezing her sister back. “And a wedding to plan. Go paint the world, Chloe.”

After Chloe left for the airport in a chauffeured car, Natalie walked into the kitchen. Ethan was standing at the stove, making pancakes. He was fully healed from his gunshot wounds, moving with the same quiet strength she had always loved.

He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. “Peace and quiet,” he murmured. “It looks good on you, Boss.”