The SUV pulled through the gates of the Dante estate just as the sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold. Sophia rested her head against the window, watching the colors shift and change, feeling lighter than she had in years.
"You're very quiet," Damian observed from beside her.
"I'm just thinking," Sophia said, turning to look at him. "This morning I woke up terrified about court. Now Vincent is going to prison for life, Richard is locked up, and I'm... free. Actually free."
"How does it feel?" Ethan asked from the front seat, turning to look at her with genuine curiosity.
Sophia considered the question seriously. "It feels strange. Good, but strange. Like I've been holding my breath for three years and I'm finally allowed to breathe again."
“Then brea
