Chapter 37 - The Demolition
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The first day of demolition at the Sterling Pinnacle was loud, dusty, and incredibly cathartic.
Claire wore a hard hat and protective glasses, standing in the center of the lobby alongside the lead contractor.
"We’re starting with the central pillars," the contractor shouted over the roar of heavy machinery. "They’re decorative, not load-bearing. We can rip them straight out."
"Do it," Claire authorized.
She watched as a massive sledgehammer slammed into the dark mahogany wood that had defined the Mercer legacy for decades.
The wood splintered and cracked, crashing to the marble floor in a cloud of dust.
Claire didn't flinch.
She felt a strange, profound sense of release. Every swing of the hammer felt like breaking another invisible chain that had bound her for fifteen years.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket. It was Evelyn.
Claire stepped outside into the cool air to answer it.
"Hello, Evelyn."
"Claire. I understand demolition began today."
"It did."
"Is it loud?" Evelyn asked, her voice sounding frail over the line.
"It is very loud," Claire confirmed.
"Good," Evelyn said softly. "Tear it all down, Claire. It was too heavy anyway."
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Claire closed her eyes, deeply moved by the older woman's unexpected grace.
"I will, Evelyn. I promise."
