Chapter 17 - The Final Legal Victory
Arthur stood beside the mahogany desk, holding an official court decree sealed with the state emblem.
“What is it, Arthur?” Maya asked, setting the roses in a glass vase on her desk.
“The state liquidation of Marcus Vance’s assets has been finalized,” Arthur reported with a broad smile. “The court has ordered full restitution to Bellini’s Bistro for the three months of stolen revenue.”
Arthur handed her a certified cashier’s check made out to Bellini’s Bistro for four hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
Maya stared at the check, her breath catching in her throat. “Four hundred and fifty thousand...?”
“Marcus is serving fifteen years in state prison,” Arthur added. “And Mayor Sterling was forced to resign yesterday afternoon following his formal indictment for bribery.”
Adrien leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest, a satisfied, quiet smile resting on his lips.
“What are you going to do with the restitution money, Chef?” Adrien asked gently.
Maya looked at the check, then out her office window toward the heated porch in the alley below, where dozens of kids were sitting together, laughing and enjoying hot meals in safety and dignity.
May you like
“We’re going to expand,” Maya declared, her hazel eyes shining with purpose. “We’re opening three more community kitchens across the state.”
👉 Adrien stepped closer, reaching out to hold her hand tightly in his.
