Chapter 23 - Fire on the Family Estate
In mid-May, three weeks before the wedding, Daniel received a surprising request from the warden at the Federal Women's Correctional Facility in Alderson.
Lauren Vance had filed a formal request through her prison caseworker to meet with Daniel one last time before her transfer to a maximum-security long-term facility.
Daniel discussed the request with Maya that evening in the study.
"You don't have to go, Daniel," Maya said gently, pouring him a cup of tea. "You don't owe that woman anything."
"I know," Daniel said, looking out at the night sky. "But I want to close this chapter completely, Maya. I want her to see that her cruelty didn't destroy us. I want her to know that our love won."
The following afternoon, Daniel sat in the visitor room at the federal prison.
Lauren Vance walked in, wearing an oversized orange jump suit, her hair stripped of its salon polish, her hands cuffed at her waist. She looked years older, her eyes hollow and tired.
She sat across from Daniel behind the reinforced glass partition.
"Daniel," Lauren whispered, her voice rough and cracked. "Thank you for coming."
"Why did you want to see me, Lauren?" Daniel asked calmly, his tone flat and completely devoid of emotion.
Lauren looked down at her cuffed hands, tears filling her eyes. "I just... I wanted to say I'm sorry. I spent my whole life chasing wealth, power, and status. I let Richard convince me that money was all that mattered. I became a monster."
"You pushed a six-year-old child down a stone staircase, Lauren," Daniel said steadily. "You tried to blame an innocent woman. You helped orchestrate Eleanor's death."
"I know," Lauren wept softly, clutching her face. "I wake up every single night hearing Noah's scream on those stairs. I know you'll never forgive me. I don't deserve forgiveness. I just wanted you to know... I'm glad Noah is safe. I'm glad you found someone who truly loves you."
Daniel looked at her for a long moment. He felt no anger toward her anymore—only a profound, quiet pity for a woman who had ruined her own life in pursuit of greed.
"I hope you find peace in here, Lauren," Daniel said quietly. "Goodbye."
Daniel stood up and walked out of the visitation room into the bright sunlight outside, leaving the dark walls of the prison behind forever.
When he returned home that afternoon, Noah ran out to the driveway to meet him, throwing his arms around Daniel's legs.
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"Daddy! Look! Maya and I made giant strawberry pies for dessert!" Noah yelled joyfully.
Daniel scooped his son up in his arms, kissing his cheek, and walked into the warmth of his home, feeling completely free.
