Chapter 10 - The Horizon
The tropical sun warmed my skin as I stepped onto the beautiful wooden porch of my new villa.
The ocean breeze carried the sweet scent of jasmine and salt water.
I had finally achieved the peaceful life I had always deserved.
My legal team had successfully reclaimed the stolen five million dollars by freezing Chloe's international accounts before she could launder the money.
Chloe was currently stranded in a foreign country with no money and an active Interpol red notice on her head.
Austin was safely locked behind bars, completely cut off from my life forever.
Arthur had become a wonderful companion, frequently visiting my island to share quiet dinners and watch the sunset.
I walked into my spacious new kitchen and poured myself a glass of expensive champagne.
I raised my glass to the empty room, toasting to survival, strength, and beautiful new beginnings.
The heavy weight of my past forty years was finally gone.
I was no longer just a useful woman to be used and discarded.
I was entirely my own person, living completely on my own terms.
I smiled as I looked out through the massive glass windows at the crystal-clear ocean.
I walked over to the marble counter to unpack the few personal items I had kept from my old life.
I unlocked the door to my beautiful new beachfront villa and breathed in the fresh air.
The landline phone on the marble counter suddenly began to ring.
May you like
I picked up the receiver and heard a familiar voice whisper my name.
"Theresa, it's Ernest, and you need to run before they find you."
