Chapter 10 - The VIP Sanctuary
Three days later, the golden afternoon sunlight filled the private penthouse recovery suite at St. Jude’s Presbyterian Hospital.
Vases of fresh white lilies and fragrant jasmine adorned every marble countertop, scenting the room with gentle warmth.
I sat in an ergonomic armchair by the expansive bay window overlooking the East River, dressed in a soft cashmere robe.
Dr. Vance, the Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery who had saved my life, stepped into the room holding my latest echocardiogram scans.
“Your recovery is nothing short of miraculous, Clara,” Dr. Vance said, a warm, professional smile lighting his face.
“The aortic patch has fully integrated, your cardiac ejection fraction has returned to fifty-eight percent, and the residual cardiotoxins have been completely purged from your system.”
“You have the heart of a survivor.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” I replied softly, placing a hand over my chest.
For the first time in five years, my heart beat with a steady, powerful, and painless rhythm.
The suffocating weight of being Damian Thorne’s submissive, unappreciated wife was gone forever.
Marcus Cole walked into the room, holding a sleek black tablet.
“The Department of Justice has officially concluded their initial grand jury presentation, Clara,” Marcus reported, pulling up a chair beside me.
“Damian and Bianca have been indicted on eight federal felony counts.”
“Bail was denied unanimously by the magistrate.”
“They will remain in federal custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center until their trial date in November.”
I took a sip of warm herbal tea, my eyes watching the tugboats glide smoothly across the river.
“And the corporate rebranding?” I asked.
“Thorne Media is officially dissolved,” Marcus smiled with sharp satisfaction.
“Tomorrow morning, the New York Stock Exchange will officially list the new entity: Blackwood Global Entertainment.”
“The stock has already surged forty-five percent in pre-market futures following the announcement of your executive takeover.”
“The world finally knows who the true creator was, Clara.”
I looked out at the glittering skyline of the city that had tried to bury me.
May you like
I had bled in the dark for five years.
Now, it was time to rule in the light.
