Chapter 10 - The Salute
Close-up: The horrific, psychological nightmare was completely, permanently over.
Lily didn't even watch her cruel, abusive stepfather get dragged away in handcuffs. The brave eight-year-old girl burst into heavy, uncontrollable, and profoundly healing tears. She threw her tiny arms fiercely around the massive German Shepherd's thick neck, hugging Titan incredibly tightly against her light blue dress, finally feeling the absolute, unbreakable love of her father wrapping around her once again.
Titan whined softly, resting his heavy head gently over her shoulder, completely securing the tiny girl in his protective embrace.
The Four-Star General stood tall and impeccably straight right behind the weeping child and the loyal dog. He didn't smile, and he didn't offer empty platitudes. He slowly, deliberately raised his right hand, snapping off a crisp, perfectly executed, and incredibly respectful military salute, honoring the absolute unbreakable bravery of the fallen hero's daughter.
Close-up: Standing entirely unnoticed in the background of the grand hall was a man in a tuxedo. He wasn't Arthur. He was one of the incredibly wealthy guests, but his face wasn't filled with shock or disgust. He was looking down at the little girl hugging the military dog, his eyes filled with profound, overwhelming, and deeply emotional sorrow.
He was one of the twenty-four soldiers whose life had been saved by Marcus two years ago. And he had used his immense corporate wealth to fund the General's investigation, ensuring the hero's daughter was finally found.
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Justice had prevailed, the cruel, greedy parasite was locked in a federal cage, and the brave little girl who refused to take off her silver eagle had finally gained the absolute, terrifying protection of an entire military brotherhood.
What would you do if you realized the person raising you had entirely lied about the hero who gave you life?
