Chapter 10 - THE BENNETT LEGACY
The night ended with a standing ovation.
We had raised ten million dollars for the foundation.
A record-breaking amount.
I stood on the stage,
looking out at the faces of the people who believed in the Bennett mission.
"Thank you,"
I said,
my voice clear and strong.
"Tonight,
we are not just raising money."
"We are raising hope."
"We are honoring the past by building the future."
"And we are proving that the truth is the most valuable thing we have."
I stepped down from the stage,
the applause a roar in my ears.
I walked out of the ballroom and into the cool night air.
The city was glowing,
a million lights reflecting in the harbor.
I looked at the Star of the North in my hand.
I was Maya Bennett.
And I had finally earned my name.
I got into my car and drove home.
To the estate that was no longer a sanctuary,
but a headquarters.
To the life that was no longer a script,
but a masterpiece.
I was free.
I was powerful.
And I was,
at last,
May you like
complete.
The End.
