Chapter 17 - The Visitor
On a quiet Tuesday afternoon, three weeks after the incident, a soft knock came at Claire’s suite door.
Claire, now resting comfortably in a soft silk robe, looked up from her book. "Come in."
The door opened slowly, revealing Arthur Vance. The former billionaire looked hollow, his expensive suit hanging loosely on his diminished frame. He carried a small, wooden jewelry box in his hands.
He hesitated at the threshold, looking at Claire with deep shame. "Claire... may I have a moment?"
Claire observed him for a second before nodding quietly. "Sit down, Arthur."
Arthur walked in, sitting stiffly on the edge of the guest chair. He placed the wooden box on the nightstand.
"What is this?" Claire asked.
"It's your mother’s pearl necklace," Arthur said, his voice raspy and broken. "Ethan took it from your home safe two months ago to give to Serena. I found it in his apartment while the bailiffs were clearing his belongings. I wanted to return it to you personally."
Claire looked at the box, touching the polished wood gently. "Thank you, Arthur."
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"I... I came to apologize," Arthur stammered, tears welling in his old eyes. "I raised a monster, Claire. I was so blinded by prestige and money that I didn't see what my son was becoming. I almost let him destroy you and my grandchild."
👉 Will Claire forgive the man who enabled her husband's cruelty for so long?
