The silence that followed was deafening. Misty’s face turned a mottled shade of red, her mouth hanging open. Simon looked as though he’d been struck.

“This is a setup!” Misty shrieked, standing up. “That video is—it’s privacy invasion! We have rights!”

“Actually,” Brenda said calmly, “you were on his property, committing fraud against a terminally ill man. I’ve already notified the district attorney’s office. I suggest you leave now, before the police arrive to escort you out.”

Simon grabbed Misty’s arm, his face twisted in a mask of rage and humiliation. He looked at me, perhaps looking for a shred of the woman he used to dominate, but he found only the iron resolve of Harrison Miller’s daughter.

As they scurried out, Jesse stayed behind, his head in his hands. “Cassie, I… I didn’t know Simon was going that far. I just thought…”

“You thought you could take the easy path, Jesse,” I said, not with anger, but with a profound sadness. “Dad gave you a chance to earn back your integrity. I hope you take it. But you’re never coming back to that house.”

I walked out of the office and drove straight back to the estate. The sun was high, illuminating the garden in a brilliant, golden glow. I walked to the white rose bushes, the ones Misty had threatened to rip out.

I picked up my pruning shears and got back to work. There was much to be done—weeds to pull, new seeds to plant, and a legacy to nurture. I looked at the house, solid and proud against the blue sky, and for the first time in weeks, I felt I could breathe. The thorns were sharp, yes, but they had done their job. They had protected the flower.

I smiled, snipping a beautiful white bloom and holding it to my nose. The scent was pure, sweet, and entirely mine.

I’m curious, do you believe Jesse deserves a second chance at being part of the family, or should Cassandra keep him at a distance forever?