Chapter 9 - FALLOUT AND FORGIVENESS
The fallout was spectacular. By Monday, Arthur Greer was under federal investigation. Fiona's social standing evaporated overnight. The tabloids that had dragged Marisol’s name through the mud were now running frantic retractions, pivoting to hail her as a "Whistleblower Genius" and the "Billionaire's Secret Weapon."
But inside the Ashworth estate, the noise of the outside world faded away.
It was a quiet Tuesday evening. The legal battles were won, the company was secure, and for the first time in years, Daniel’s chest didn't feel tight with anxiety. He walked into the west parlor and stopped.
Marisol was sitting on the piano bench. Beside her sat Celia.
"Okay," Marisol was saying softly. "Show Mama."
Celia reached out with one small, clean hand and pressed middle C. The note rang out, clear and beautiful in the grand room.
Daniel leaned against the doorway, his heart swelling until he thought it might break. He walked into the room, crossing the marble floor, and sat on the bench on the other side of Celia. He reached out and pressed the E key.
Celia giggled. "You made a chord, Daddy!"
Hearing her call him that still made his breath catch. He looked over Celia's head at Marisol, who was smiling at him with so much love it illuminated the room.
May you like
"I'm sorry about the piano," Marisol said softly. "I know it was your mother's."
"My mother loved this piano because it brought music into the house," Daniel said, reaching out to tuck a stray curl behind Marisol’s ear. "It’s been silent for way too long. It belongs to the three of us now."
