Chapter 6 - THE FAMILY RETURNS
Rockford came to the Moretti estate six months later.
He arrived without an invitation.
Mateo's security team nearly turned him away.
Adelaide stopped them.
“Let him in.”
Rockford entered the library looking older.
He had lost weight.
His expensive suit hung loosely from his shoulders.
“Adelaide.”
She remained seated.
“You have ten minutes.”
His eyes moved toward Mateo.
“I need to speak to my daughter privately.”
Mateo didn't move.
“She can decide that.”
Rockford swallowed.
“I made mistakes.”
Adelaide's expression didn't change.
“You committed crimes.”
“Yes.”
“You let me believe I was worthless.”
“I was wrong.”
“You let Evelyn use me.”
“I was afraid.”
Adelaide looked at him for a long moment.
“Of what?”
“Losing everything.”
She almost laughed.
“You lost everything because you were willing to sacrifice me to keep it.”
Rockford lowered his head.
“I am sorry.”
Adelaide believed him.
That didn't erase anything.
“I don't forgive you yet.”
“I understand.”
“But I won't help destroy you either.”
He looked up.
“What does that mean?”
“It means I'll provide the financial records to your attorneys so you receive a fair trial.”
Rockford's eyes filled.
“You're still protecting me?”
“No.”
Adelaide stood.
“I'm protecting the woman I want to become.”
Rockford left quietly.
Two weeks later, Evelyn and Chloe were indicted for fraud and conspiracy.
Rockford accepted responsibility for his role.
Jones Financial survived under new management.
Adelaide sold her remaining interest.
She never returned to the family mansion.
Instead, she used her share of the recovered assets to establish a financial recovery firm specializing in helping small businesses uncover internal fraud.
Mateo became her first major client.
Then her husband.
Not because she needed him.
May you like
Because she loved him.
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