Chapter 10 - The Unbothered Peace
The chaotic, frantic energy on the sidewalk was deafening, but inside the heavy black wrought-iron gate, it was entirely, profoundly peaceful.
Paige didn't flinch. She didn't smile. She didn't feel a single ounce of guilt. The heavy, agonizing weight of the trauma she had carried for twelve long years was finally, completely lifted from her shoulders. She had survived their cruelty, built an empire, and watched karma entirely destroy them.
"You should probably figure out how to pay your driver," Paige advised softly, her voice carrying a cold, absolute finality.
Paige turned her back on the weeping, hysterical family. She didn't look over her shoulder. She gave a gentle click of her tongue, and her two loyal, massive German Shepherds instantly fell perfectly into step beside her.
She walked slowly and calmly back up her long, tree-lined driveway, heading toward the beautiful, secure sanctuary she had built with her own two hands.
Behind her, she could hear the moving van driver aggressively throwing the truck into reverse, shouting at Diane to get out of the way. She heard Grant screaming at Mallory, and Diane sobbing uncontrollably on the concrete.
But as Paige reached the heavy oak front doors of her sprawling estate, the noise faded away completely.
May you like
She stepped inside, locked the door, and took a deep, refreshing breath of absolute, unshakeable freedom. The toxic monsters were locked outside forever, and she was finally, truly home.
Do you think Paige should still press federal charges against her mother and sister for the stolen trust fund, or was leaving them homeless on the street enough justice?
