Chapter 14 - THE LAST DEBT
Arthur Thorne arrived at the Moretti estate in November.
Clara hadn't seen her father in months.
He looked healthier.
Older.
Ashamed.
But sober.
He had entered treatment for gambling addiction and begun rebuilding his life.
When Clara opened the door, he stood awkwardly.
“Hi, sweetheart.”
Her eyes filled.
“Dad.”
He swallowed.
“I know I don't deserve—”
She stepped forward.
And hugged him.
For a moment, he froze.
Then held her tightly.
“I'm sorry,” he whispered.
Clara cried.
“I know.”
He pulled back.
“I can't undo what I did.”
She nodded.
“No.”
“But I'm trying.”
She smiled through tears.
“I can see that.”
Later, Arthur met Tony.
He looked nervous.
“Mr. Moretti.”
Tony smiled.
“Arthur.”
Arthur swallowed.
“I wanted to thank you.”
Tony shook his head.
“You don't owe me anything.”
Arthur's eyes filled.
“You saved my daughter.”
Tony looked toward Clara.
Then answered quietly:
“She saved me too.”
Clara stared.
Tony smiled.
May you like
And for the first time, Arthur understood that the powerful man standing before him was not simply protecting his daughter.
He loved her.
