Chapter 14 - Christmas Begins Again

The ceremony organizers quietly removed the evidence table.
Someone switched off the projector.
Another volunteer relit the Christmas tree.
Claire sat with Emma beneath the lights.
The little girl finally relaxed enough to breathe normally.
She reached inside Claire's uniform pocket.
"Can I keep your lucky coin?"
Claire laughed softly.
"It was Grandpa's."
"Can we share it?"
Claire nodded.
"We already do."
The ballroom slowly filled with gentle applause.
Not for the evidence.
Not for the scandal.
May you like
For a mother and daughter finding each other again.
👉 Claire thought the day was finally over—until Emma asked one heartbreaking question.