Chapter 6 - THE LAST BENNETT
One month later, Bennett Development filed for bankruptcy.
Forensic audits uncovered tax fraud, illegal land speculation, hidden accounts and years of corruption.
The empire collapsed.
Claire returned to the Bennett mansion.
Moving trucks filled the driveway.
Paintings were removed.
Furniture disappeared.
Crystal chandeliers were dismantled.
The house that had once terrified her now looked strangely small.
Richard sat alone in the empty living room.
His hair had turned completely white.
"Did you come to celebrate?" he asked.
"No."
Claire walked closer.
"I came to return something."
She placed a silver key on the table.
"The Maine house."
Richard stared at it.
"The bank took everything."
Claire nodded.
"You protected Ethan."
"I thought I was protecting the family."
"You were protecting a name."
Richard's eyes filled with tears.
"Is Lily okay?"
Claire's anger softened.
"She's healing."
Richard looked down.
"I don't deserve forgiveness."
"No."
Claire paused.
"But I don't hate you."
She walked toward the door.
Richard's voice followed.
"Claire."
She stopped.
"I'm sorry."
She closed her eyes.
For the first time in thirty years, she heard those words.
But they couldn't change the past.
They could only become the first honest thing her father had ever given her.
Claire left the mansion.
May you like
She never looked back.
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