Chapter 7 - The Woman Who Was Finally Free
Two years passed.
The trial ended.
Blue Lantern was dismantled.
Mia started school.
Arthur lived under supervision.
Victor remained in prison.
Adrian rebuilt the company.
Not as his father's empire.
As his own.
He sold the properties connected to the old network.
Created scholarships.
Opened shelters.
Returned stolen assets.
Harper became director of the foundation.
She still hated being called important.
Adrian loved teasing her about it.
One evening, they visited Rose's grave.
Harper placed flowers.
“Mom.”
She closed her eyes.
“I finally understand.”
Adrian stood beside her.
“She was brave.”
“She was stubborn.”
“Like you.”
She smiled.
“I'll take that.”
He took her hand.
“She wanted you safe.”
“I know.”
“And now?”
Harper looked at him.
“Now I feel safe.”
He smiled.
Mia ran toward them.
“Dad!”
Adrian turned.
Harper laughed.
Mia had started calling him that six months earlier.
She called Harper Mom sometimes too.
Not because anyone forced her.
Because she chose it.
Mia held up a drawing.
It showed four people.
Arthur.
Adrian.
Harper.
Mia.
Above them was a house.
At the bottom she had written:
HOME.
Harper cried.
Adrian wrapped an arm around her.
“You okay?”
“Yes.”
Mia looked confused.
“Why are you crying?”
“Because you made me happy.”
Mia grinned.
“Good.”
Adrian laughed.
Then Harper looked at him.
“Did you ever think this was possible?”
“No.”
“Me neither.”
May you like
He kissed her forehead.
“That's what makes it better.”
