His company, already on the brink of collapse without my partnership, immediately declared bankruptcy. He fled the country, but rumor has it he was tricked, and his last known location was somewhere in Southeast Asia before he disappeared completely.
Because of the scandal, public sympathy for our family grew, and the Shaw name became even more renowned. People started to question the old–fashioned idea that only a man could inherit a family business. What was so wrong with a mother wanting to groom a good husband for her daughter? Seeing those discussions brought a grim satisfaction to my heart.
The evidence against Lucas, Shane, and Gabriel was irrefutable. They were each sentenced to decades in prison. The auction house also sued them, so even if they ever get out, they’ll be saddled with hundreds of millions in debt. A part of me ached for the wasted potential, for the years of cultivation turned to ash. But a larger part of me was relieved to see justice served.
”
On the day of their sentencing, Mrs. Kane was also captured. Just as I suspected, she had tried to abscond with the stolen funds, adding to her crimes.
In the years that followed, Sophie underwent intensive therapy. She chose to study abroad for five more years, where she met the love of her life.
Looking at the photo she sent me of them together, I suddenly felt foolish. From the day she was born, all I had thought about was how to protect her from the world, how to have someo- nel had personally groomed take care of her.
I was so wrong.
True happiness was something she had to choose for herself.
On her wedding day, I cried with emotion. She just smiled. “Mom, my husband is marrying into the family. What are you crying for?”
And hearing that, I smiled too.
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