Chapter 17 - THE FALL OF THE HOUSE
News of Eleanor's indictment spread nationwide.
The same people who had once believed the smear campaign now apologized.
Donations flooded into the arts center.
Grants arrived.
Parents returned.
The center expanded.
The building next door became a music and performing arts wing.
Meanwhile, the Bennett mansion was sold.
Claire watched demolition crews tear down the walls where she had spent years feeling trapped.
The property would become affordable housing.
She stood there for a long time.
Then she smiled.
Her prison would become someone else's home.
That evening, Claire and Marcus locked the center.
"We need a new sign," Marcus said.
Claire nodded.
"I'm ready."
"Ready for what?"
"To stop carrying the Bennett name."
Marcus reached into his coat.
A velvet box.
Claire's breath caught.
He knelt.
"Claire."
She covered her mouth.
"You and Lily are my family."
He opened the box.
A diamond ring.
"Will you marry me?"
Tears filled her eyes.
"Yes."
Marcus stood.
Claire pulled him into her arms.
For the first time, the future didn't frighten her.
May you like
It excited her.
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