Chapter 10 - The Fall of Derek Voss
With Derek Voss behind bars for life, the federal government officially dismantled Aethelgard, seizing over $80 million in illicit funds and restoring custody of dozens of victimized children to their rightful extended families.
The board of directors at ColeCare Systems dropped all demands for Ethan’s resignation, issuing a public apology and naming the company's new charitable foundation The Claire Brooks Children's Protection Trust.
In the judge’s private chambers after the trial, Judge Robertson signed the final legal decree.
“Mr. Cole,” the judge said, smiling as she stamped the thick document. “Under the authority of the State, I hereby grant you full, permanent legal adoption of Sadie Brooks and Emma Brooks.”
Ethan took the document into his hands, looking down at his official signature next to the girls' names: Sadie Brooks Cole and Emma Brooks Cole.
Mara Leland wiped a tear from her cheek. “You did it, Ethan.”
Ethan walked out of the judge's office into the hallway, where Sadie was holding baby Emma, who was now a healthy, giggling thirteen-month-old bouncing in her sister’s arms.
“Are we going home now, Ethan?” Sadie asked, looking up at him timidly.
Ethan crouched down, taking both of Sadie’s small hands into his own.
“You don't have to call me Ethan anymore if you don't want to, Sadie,” he said gently.
Sadie looked at him, her wide brown eyes shining with a deep, peaceful trust that no storm could ever take away again.
“Can I call you Dad?” she whispered.
May you like
Ethan felt a lump form in his throat—a feeling stronger and more real than any victory he had ever achieved in a corporate boardroom.
“I would be honored, sweetheart,” Ethan said, pulling both girls into a tight, warm hug.
