Claire turned back to her daughter, dropping to her knees and gently holding Sophie's small face in her hands.
Claire: Are you okay, my sweet girl?
Sophie: My cheek still hurts a little, Mommy... but I'm not scared anymore.
Claire: You were so brave today, Sophie. I am so proud of you.
Sarah: Mrs. Vance, the board members are waiting in the executive conference room for the noon meeting.
Claire: Tell them I will be there in ten minutes, Sarah. And let them know that Sophie will be sitting at the head of the table today.
Sarah: Right away, ma'am.
Claire picked Sophie up into her arms, holding her close against her green silk dress as they walked toward the side elevators.
Sophie: Mommy, is Uncle Laurent ever coming back to our house?
Claire: No, baby. He will never step foot in our house or our company ever again.
Sophie: Can we go get ice cream after the meeting?
Claire: We can get all the ice cream you want, my sweet girl.
The dark shadows of greed and deception that had threatened to destroy their family had finally been shattered by the truth.
And as the bright daylight bathed the grand banquet hall in warm gold, a mother and her daughter stepped forward into a future of safety, dignity, and justice.