Chapter 15 - THE MAN WITHOUT BODYGUARDS Victor's return to public life was difficult.
Some people believed he had changed.
Others never would.
Lily remained cautious.
She should.
Trust was not a gift.
It was something rebuilt slowly.
Victor began working with violence-prevention organizations.
Under supervision.
No private empire.
No intimidation.
No secret rooms.
Just work.
One evening, he stood inside the old Blackwood foyer.
Now it belonged to the Open Door Center.
Lily joined him.
“I remember your footsteps,” she said.
Victor smiled faintly.
“I remember your scream.”
She shook her head.
“You walked in late.”
He looked at the floor.
“Very late.”
Silence settled between them.
Then Victor said:
“Everyone thinks I saved Ethan that night.”
Lily looked at him.
“But you were already protecting him.”
“Yes.”
He nodded.
“The story got it wrong.”
Lily smiled.
“Stories usually do.”
Then a voice came from outside.
“Dad!”
Victor turned.
The word still surprised him.
He walked toward the door.
No bodyguards.
No black SUVs.
May you like
No empire.
Just a father walking toward his son.
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