Chapter 10 - The New Beginning
Six months had passed since the terrifying night that completely destroyed the Ashford family legacy.
Garrick and Miriam were both officially convicted and sentenced to life in a maximum-security federal prison without the possibility of parole.
The board of directors had officially appointed me as the new Chief Executive Officer of Ashford Industries.
I had spent the last few months aggressively cleaning house, firing any executives who had been loyal to Garrick's corrupt regime.
Sienna had moved back into my massive, secure estate, and her physical injuries had completely healed.
She was now heavily pregnant and absolutely glowing with vibrant, beautiful health.
We were currently sitting at my grand dining table, enjoying a peaceful, quiet Sunday dinner together.
There was no fear, no anxiety, and absolutely no cruel voices demanding silent obedience.
Thomas, my brave driver who had fully recovered from the crash, poured us glasses of sparkling apple cider.
We raised our glasses and happily toasted to our freedom, our new company, and the beautiful baby arriving very soon.
I looked at my daughter's brilliant smile and knew that every single sacrifice I had made was completely worth it.
We had permanently conquered the terrifying darkness, and our lives were finally filled with absolute peace.
As we finished eating our dessert, the heavy brass doorbell at the front of the estate rang loudly.
Thomas walked to the foyer and quickly returned, carrying a small, sealed envelope on a silver tray.
He handed the envelope to me, noting that a private courier had specifically demanded it be delivered directly into my hands.
I carefully broke the thick red wax seal, which bore a strange crest I had not seen in over twenty years.
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Inside the envelope was a crisp, handwritten note from Garrick's supposed dead father, a man I had personally watched die.
The chilling note simply read: "You took my company and my family, and now I am coming back to take yours."
