Chapter 98 - The New Dawn
One full year passed.
The world had irrevocably changed. The Sovereign Syndicate’s collapse had rewritten the landscape of international finance. Corrupt dynasties had fallen, and in their place, a new wave of transparent, humanitarian institutions arose, largely funded by the liquidated assets of the old world order.
Alexander had completely resigned from corporate governance, leaving Marcus Vance and an independent board to manage the ethical transition of the remaining assets. Instead, Alexander had dedicated his time to funding orphanages, coastal conservatories, and community restoration projects across the country.
Yet his true pride lay in Havenbrook.
Every morning, Alexander walked Leo to the local primary school, holding his son’s small hand as they skipped across the pebble beach. Leo had grown taller, healthier, and full of boundless curiosity, completely untouched by the violence that had nearly claimed his life.
"Daddy, look!" Leo pointed to a white sailboat gliding across the bay. "Can we build a boat like that?"
"We can build anything you want, buddy," Alexander smiled, lifting Leo onto his shoulders. "This weekend, you, me, and Old Thomas will start on a rowboat down at the docks."
"Promise?"
"A Sterling never breaks a promise," Alexander declared proudly.
They arrived at the school gates, where Elena was waiting after dropping off fresh floral arrangements for the teachers' lounge. She greeted them with a radiant smile, her hair glowing gold in the morning sun. She wore a simple yellow summer dress, her belly showing a subtle, beautiful swell—their second child, due in the late autumn.
Alexander leaned down, kissing her softly on the lips before placing a gentle, protective hand over her stomach.
"Everything good at the shop?" he asked.
"Never better," Elena laughed. "We have an order for forty centerpieces for the harbor festival. I’m going to need my best delivery driver this afternoon."
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"At your service, Mrs. Sterling," Alexander said with a mock salute, making Leo burst into cheerful laughter.
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