By the next morning, the grand hall was completely cleaned up.
The broken shards of porcelain and glass were cleared away entirely.
Fresh yellow flowers stood in simple glass jars along the windows.
David sat at the large oak desk inside the main study.
He reviewed the company financial files with Arthur by his side.
Arthur: The transition of the business accounts is almost finished.
David: Ensure that all employees keep their current jobs and pay.
Arthur: You are managing this transition with great fairness, David.
David: My mother wanted this company to help people, not harm.
Evelyn walked into the office carrying two heavy brown leather suitcases.
Her pride was gone, replaced by a quiet and tired expression.
Evelyn: The movers have packed the rest of my personal belongings.
David stood up from his desk and looked at his sister.
David: I hope you find peace in your new smaller home.
Evelyn: I am sorry for what I did to you, David.
David: I forgive you, but trust takes a long time to rebuild.
Evelyn nodded silently and turned around to walk out front door.
Richard was already waiting outside in his small grey personal car.
They drove away down the long paved driveway without looking back.
David walked out to the sunlit back patio where Lily played.
She was drawing colorful flower pictures with bright box of crayons.
She looked up and smiled brightly as David walked near her.
Lily: Look, I drew a picture of our big new home!
David knelt down beside her small table to look at drawing.
David: That is the most beautiful picture I have ever seen.
Lily: Are we going to be happy here now, Uncle David?
David: Yes, we are going to build a bright happy life.
He took her hand and walked across the wide green lawn.
The dark shadows of past lies had dissolved in bright morning daylight.
The estate was finally a place of honesty, safety, and true peace.