Detective Reed: Take care of yourselves. You have a very good man looking out for you, Miss Vance.
Clara: I know I do, Detective. Thank you.
Detective Reed tipped his hat respectfully and turned to follow his officers out through the grand foyer, leaving Clara and Lucian alone in the quiet, sunlit living room.
The soft sound of the outdoor water fountain bubbled through the open patio doors as Lucian walked back over to the couch, sitting down beside Clara and gently wrapping his hand around hers.
Lucian: How are you feeling, Clara?
Clara: I feel like I can finally breathe again for the first time in three years.
Lucian: The nightmare is completely over now. Your stepmother and Julianna will never set foot in this house again.
Clara: I couldn't have survived any of this without you, Lucian. When my father died, I thought everyone in the world had turned their backs on me.
Lucian: I promised your father I would protect you with my life, Clara. And I intend to keep every single promise I made to him.
Clara looked around the high-key living room, taking in the pristine white walls, the gleaming marble floor, and the large American flag hanging proudly above the marble fireplace in the sunlight.
Clara: It feels different in here today. It feels warm again.
Lucian: That's because the people who brought dark intentions into this house are gone, and the real owner has finally come home.
Clara: What happens to the company now, Lucian? The board members were supposed to vote on the new CEO this afternoon.
Lucian: I called the board chairman ten minutes ago. When he saw the DA's report and the real will, he canceled the vote immediately.
Clara: Does that mean...
Lucian: It means you are officially the new CEO and majority shareholder of Vance Enterprises, Clara. You are in full control of your family's business.
Clara: CEO... I don't even know if I'm ready for that kind of responsibility, Lucian.
Lucian: You grew up watching your father run that company with integrity, honesty, and kindness. You have more business wisdom in you than Julianna and her mother ever possessed.
Clara: Will you stay by my side at the corporate office?
Lucian: I will be right next to you in the boardroom every single day, for as long as you want me there.
Clara smiled through her remaining tears, resting her head gently against Lucian's shoulder as the bright morning sun washed over them both.
Clara: I want you by my side forever, Lucian.
Lucian: Then that is exactly where I'll be, Clara. Right here with you.