Silence filled the archives.
Clara stared at the bank notification, then looked at Harrison. For the first time, I didn't see the man who had once stood against us. I saw someone who had spent years living with his mistakes.
“You waited until Arthur was gone before returning the money,” I said. “Why?”
Harrison leaned against the bookshelf, his shoulders dropping.
“Your father was the only person who believed I could become better than I was. I disappointed him. I let Arthur manipulate me, and I allowed fear to control my decisions for too long.”
He glanced at the notification.
“Returning the money won't change what happened. But perhaps it can give the future a chance. That's all I can offer, Lara. A fresh start.”
“It's enough,” I replied. “Not because you owe us anything, but becau
