Chapter 8: The Empire Strikes Back
The trial of the decade dominated global news for weeks.
Marcus was sentenced to life in federal prison without the possibility of parole. Vivian Moretti, completely bankrupt and desperate, was arrested trying to flee the country with stolen jewelry and was sentenced to twenty years for kidnapping and human trafficking.
The shadows that had plagued the Castillo family for three years were finally dragged into the blinding light of justice.
But Alejandro wasn't done fixing the past.
He stood in the grand foyer of the main mansion—the very place Elena had been forced to scrub on her hands and knees.
He had fired the entire staff who had turned a blind eye to Vivian’s cruelty. A completely new, highly vetted, and fiercely loyal household staff now stood in a perfect line, waiting.
The massive front doors opened.
Elena walked in.
She was wearing a stunning white silk dress, radiating health, beauty, and absolute confidence.
The staff bowed respectfully in unison.
“Welcome home, Mrs. Castillo.”
Elena smiled warmly, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She looked at the spot on the marble floor where she had dropped the bucket. The spot where her nightmare ended and her real life began again.
Alejandro walked down the grand staircase, his eyes locked solely on her.
He didn't care about his billions. He didn't care about his properties. He only cared about the woman walking toward him.
He took her hands, kissing her knuckles gently.
“I had them tear out the marble,” Alejandro whispered, pointing to the floor. “I had everything replaced. Every room Vivian touched, every floor you were forced to clean. It’s all brand new. Just for you.”
Elena laughed softly, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“You didn't have to destroy the house, Alejandro.”
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“I would destroy the world for you, Elena.”
He pulled her close, kissing her deeply as the sunlight streamed through the massive glass windows, finally banishing the cold, lifeless atmosphere that had haunted the mansion for years.
