of the fraud case. “You need to collect your belongings and vacate the property. Now.”
Evelyn tried a soft, desperate approach. “Harper, please. We made mistakes. We’re still your family.”
“I gave you seven days,” I said quietly.
Chloe started crying, asking where they were supposed to go. I didn’t answer. That question was never mine to solve.
The sheriff repeated his instruction, and as Evelyn looked at me one last time, searching for hesitation and finding none, I stepped inside and closed the front door. The lock clicked—final, secure, and entirely mine.
I walked into the kitchen, made a fresh cup of coffee, and sat down in the living room as sunlight streamed through the windows. My house, my life, and my peace had finally been restored.
