Chapter 9 - The Echoes of the PastDaniel told her Vanessa had been convicted for her crimes.
The fraud.
The false accusation.
The financial scheme.
The woman who had once ruled the Sterling estate had lost almost everything.
Clara listened quietly.
"Justice was served," she said.
Daniel nodded.
"But that's not why I'm here."
He looked around the bookstore.
"You built this without my money."
"Yes."
"Why?"
Clara smiled faintly.
"Because I needed to know I could."
Daniel looked at her differently.
Not as a housekeeper.
Not as someone beneath him.
As an equal.
"I should have seen you sooner."
Clara didn't answer immediately.
Some wounds don't disappear because someone finally says sorry.
But she nodded.
"Thank you for saying it."
Daniel turned toward the door.
Before leaving, he paused.
"Clara."
She looked up.
"What?"
"I hope someday you'll let me earn your trust."
The door closed behind him.
May you like
Clara stood alone.
And for reasons she couldn't explain, her heart beat a little faster.
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