Chapter 10 - A New TableThe dining room had always been Elena's most uncomfortable room.
Now Julian insisted they eat there.
A new chef prepared a simple meal using ingredients personally inspected by an independent team.
Elena sat down.
She stared at the plate.
For months, eating had been an act of suspicion.
Now she took a bite.
Nothing happened.
She smiled through tears.
Julian reached across the table and squeezed her hand.
"This is just dinner."
Elena laughed softly.
"No."
She looked around the enormous room.
"This is freedom."
That night, they decided the family empire would never operate the same way again.
No secret accounts.
No hidden ownership.
No relatives rewarded for loyalty instead of competence.
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The old dynasty would end.
Something better would replace it.
Related Stories
Chapter 11 - The TrialThe federal courthouse became the center of America's attention.
Chapter 12 - JusticeThe jury didn't need long.
Chapter 13 - Reclaiming the EmpireElena returned to the company headquarters.
Chapter 14 - The House Becomes a HomeThe mansion changed.
Chapter 15 - The Last ShadowMonths passed.
Chapter 16 - VictoriaOn a crisp Tuesday morning, Elena suddenly froze during breakfast.
