Chapter 18 - Expanding the Legacy
I walked out of the federal penitentiary and into the bright, warm sunlight.
The heavy, toxic chain that had anchored me to the past had been permanently snapped.
The following years were a whirlwind of unprecedented success and profound healing. Julian and I continued our partnership, eventually moving from professional respect to a deep, unshakeable romance.
We stood together on a massive, empty plot of land in the neighboring state.
"Are you sure about this, Scarlett?"
Julian asked, looking at the massive blueprints spread across the hood of my car.
"A national expansion is a colossal undertaking."
"My father started this in one city,"
I smiled, looking out over the open fields.
"But there are veterans suffering across the entire country. We have the capital, we have the team, and we have the blueprint. We break ground on the National Sterling Foundation headquarters next month."
Julian wrapped his arm securely around my waist, kissing my temple.
"You are an absolute force of nature, Scarlett Sterling,"
He murmured proudly.
May you like
"I had very good teachers,"
I replied, resting my head against his shoulder.
