Chapter 22 - BROOKE'S LAST REQUEST
Brooke's name returned to Claire's life through a lawyer.
Brooke had completed part of her sentence and was seeking an early supervised release.
Her attorney asked Claire to provide a statement.
Claire refused.
Not because she wanted Brooke to suffer.
Because she believed the consequences of Brooke's choices belonged to Brooke.
The attorney pressed.
“Mrs. Vance-Hale, my client says she has changed.”
Claire remained calm.
“I hope she has.”
“You won't support her release?”
“That isn't my decision.”
“But you could help.”
Claire looked at the lawyer.
“I already helped.”
The attorney frowned.
“How?”
Claire pointed toward the foundation documents on her desk.
“Every day I spend rebuilding lives instead of destroying them.”
She stood.
“I don't need Brooke to stay in prison forever for me to move forward.”
The lawyer said nothing.
Claire added quietly:
“But I won't lie for her either.”
That evening, Claire walked through the garden.
She realized she no longer hated Brooke.
That surprised her.
Hatred had once felt like the only emotion strong enough to survive betrayal.
Now it simply felt heavy.
May you like
Claire had no desire to carry it anymore.
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