Chapter 17 - A New BeginningMonths later, Claire began volunteering with a local family-support organization.
She wanted to help women who had been manipulated into believing they were incapable of protecting themselves.
Marcus supported her completely.
The Sterling family's public reputation began to change.
The old dynasty had been built on fear.
Claire wanted something different.
Trust.
Compassion.
Truth.
One afternoon, she returned home to find Marcus waiting in the kitchen with Leo in his arms.
“What happened?”
Marcus smiled.
“Nothing.”
Claire laughed.
“Then why do you look suspicious?”
“I was thinking.”
“That's dangerous.”
He handed Leo to her.
Then he pulled a small envelope from his pocket.
Inside was a key.
Claire frowned.
“A key?”
“To somewhere that belongs only to us.”
He smiled.
“We're leaving the mansion.”
Claire stared at him.
For the first time, she understood.
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They weren't rebuilding Evelyn's world.
They were leaving it behind.
