As soon as the lawyer finishes, the room goes quiet for a few seconds before Harold breaks the silence.
He lets out a deep, relieved laugh, the sound filling the living room as he leans back against his chair, his eyes shining. “I knew it,” he says, shaking his head slowly. “I knew you wouldn’t do something like that, Ariana. I knew my instincts were right about you.”
Ariana exhales quietly. The tightness that had been sitting in her chest since the accusation finally loosens. She gives him a small, respectful smile. “Thank you, Grandpa,” she says. “That means a lot to me.”
“I was worried I had lost your trust. That broke me more than anything. I am glad I was able to prove my innocence.”
Harold looks at her with genuine warmth and his smile deepens. “You have no idea how relieved I am
