Chapter 11 - The Aftermath
An hour later, the VIP lounge was quiet once more. Victoria had left with her family’s legal team to begin damage control, leaving Marcus and Claire standing near the wide glass windows.
Marcus handed Claire a small black folder. "This contains the full release of all debts associated with your family's name. The state has already frozen Julian’s liquid assets, and a restitution fund is being established. You and your mother will be fully compensated."
Claire held the folder close to her chest. "Thank you, Marcus. For everything."
"You did this yourself, Claire," Marcus said with a subtle smile. "You had the courage to stay in that lobby when most people would have run."
Claire looked down at her hands. The callouses were still there, the stain of bleach still faint on her skin, but for the first time in three years, the crushing weight on her chest was gone.
"What will you do now?" Marcus asked softly.
Claire looked out at the city lights twinkling in the evening sky. "I'm going home to Maine. My mother is waiting."
"The hotel car is waiting downstairs to take you to the airport," Marcus said. "And Claire... if you ever decide you want to return to London, there's a position waiting for you in executive operations. Not in housekeeping."
May you like
Claire smiled—a real, genuine smile that reached her eyes for the first time in years. "I'll keep that in mind, Mr. Sterling."
She turned and walked toward the elevators, leaving the dark uniform and the shadow of Julian Vance behind her forever.
