Chapter 7

Two years after the trial, Celeste appealed.

Her lawyers found a technicality. A new trial was ordered.

I was in my office when I got the news. I felt the blood drain from my face.

Adrian came in. He saw my face. "What is it?"

"Celeste. She's getting a new trial."

He sat beside me. "It doesn't matter. The evidence is the same. She'll be convicted again."

"I know. But—" I stopped. "What if she wins? What if she gets out? What if she comes after me? After the company? After everything we've built?"

Adrian took my hand. "Then we fight. Again. And we win. Again. Emma, you're not that twenty-four-year-old girl climbing through a window anymore. You're the CEO of Halden Group. You have resources. You have power. You have me. She can't hurt you."

He was right. I wasn't that girl anymore. I was stronger. I was ready.

The second trial was shorter. The evidence was even stronger—new witnesses had come forward. Celeste was convicted again. This time, fifteen years. No possibility of parole.

It was really over.

After the second sentencing, I didn't cry. I didn't feel relief. I just felt… done.

Celeste was gone. Victor was gone. Roland was gone. The past was gone.

And I had a future.

That night, Adrian and I went to the Italian place. We ordered pasta and wine. We toasted to the future.

And I told him I was pregnant.

He cried. I cried. We laughed. We held each other.

A baby. Our baby. A new life. A new beginning.

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