Chapter 10 - The Morning Light
Two weeks later, the Blackwell estate was bathed in warm, peaceful afternoon sunlight.
Kate sat in the grand library, reading a book while resting her newly casted arm on a plush velvet pillow.
She was no longer wearing the black and white uniform of a maid.
She wore a beautiful silk dress, officially recognized by everyone as the lady of the house.
Her mother was resting comfortably in a private suite upstairs, attended by the best doctors money could buy.
All the hospital bills had been paid in full the very night of the shipyard shootout.
Senator Caldwell was currently sitting in a federal holding cell, stripped of his power, his wealth, and his reputation.
Damon walked into the library, looking dangerously handsome in a tailored gray suit.
He poured two glasses of expensive bourbon and handed one carefully to Kate.
"The police officially ruled Preston's death a drowning related to a botched drug deal," Damon reported smoothly.
"The Caldwell name is completely erased from this city."
Kate smiled, taking a sip of the warm liquid and leaning her head against his shoulder.
"Thank you, Damon," she whispered, feeling a profound sense of absolute peace.
He kissed the top of her head, wrapping his strong arm securely around her waist.
They had built a beautiful, unexpected life together out of the ashes of that terrifying night.
Matteo knocked softly on the open library door, holding a silver tray with a single item on it.
"Boss, this letter just arrived via secure courier," Matteo said, his scarred face looking unusually pale.
Damon took the heavy, wax-sealed envelope and broke it open with his thumb.
He pulled out a faded, decades-old photograph and a single sheet of paper.
May you like
Kate looked at the photograph and gasped, recognizing the face of her father who had abandoned her eighteen years ago.
The handwritten note on the back read, "I didn't abandon her, Damon, your father had me locked in his basement until the day he died."
