Chapter 4 - A New Beginning
By the next morning, the fever had finally broken.
Grace opened her eyes slowly, blinking against the harsh morning sunlight filtering through our dirty window.
She looked at Dr. Evans, then at me, and finally, her eyes landed on Arthur Whitmore.
She gasped, trying to pull herself up against the pillows.
"Mr. Whitmore," she croaked, her voice dry and raspy.
"Rest, Grace," Arthur said softly, walking over to her bedside.
"Your secret is safe."
Grace began to sob, the years of stress and terror finally spilling out of her.
"I tried so hard to keep them safe," she cried.
"You did an extraordinary job, sweetheart," Arthur replied, patting her hand.
"But you don't have to carry this burden alone anymore."
Arthur turned to me and Annie.
"I am moving you all into the estate immediately."
"It has heavy security, private doctors, and more food than you could ever eat."
Grace hesitated, her pride fighting against her exhaustion.
"We can't accept charity," she whispered stubbornly.
"It isn't charity," Arthur said firmly.
"It is back pay."
"Your father was owed millions in company stock that I have held in a trust for you since the day he died."
"You are not poor, Grace."
"You are part owners of Whitmore Enterprises."
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We packed the few belongings we had left in the world.
As I walked out of that terrible apartment for the last time, I felt a strange sense of hope taking root in my chest.
