Chapter 7 - The Masterpiece of Tomorrow
Six months later, the spring sun was warm over the waters of Lake Washington.
The house on Mercer Island was gone—or rather, it had been sold off to cover the legal liquidation fees and restitution settlements, leaving David sitting in a federal penitentiary awaiting trial while Chloe Vance filed for abandonment after discovering his accounts were entirely frozen and his name was toxic in every legal circle from Seattle to Portland.
Naomi stood on the expansive wrap-around deck of a stunning, newly designed modern architectural masterpiece perched on the cliffs of Bainbridge Island. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls caught the brilliant afternoon light. The interior was minimalist, warm, filled with natural wood, sage green accents, and absolute peace.
In the living room, now eight months old, Leo was sitting on a plush wool rug, laughing hysterically as he chased a bright wooden toy across the floor. His dark curls caught the sunlight, and his eyes were bright, curious, and entirely untroubled by the past.
Maya stepped onto the deck, handing Naomi a steaming mug of coffee and leaning against the railing beside her.
“The city council just approved your final design for the downtown civic center,” Maya said, smiling proudly. “Your name is on the plaque at the entrance. The real one. Not ‘Mrs. David Richards.’”
Naomi took a sip of her coffee, looking out over the sparkling expanse of the Pacific Northwest water where ferries drifted like white clouds against the green hills.
She thought about the woman who had stood barefoot in a hospital hallway months ago, listening to a lie that tried to destroy her. She felt no anger toward that woman anymore. Only gratitude.
Because out of the wreckage of a shattered foundation, she hadn't just survived.
May you like
She had built an empire.
“Let’s get to work,” Naomi said softly, turning back toward the sunlight and stepping inside to her son.
