Chapter 8 - Cracks in the DynastyWith Arthur Sterlingâs arrest and the seizure of Aegis Holdings, Sterling Global completely collapsed.
Banks called in their loans, creditors foreclosed on their luxury properties, and the company was forced into immediate bankruptcy liquidation.
Celeste, who had never worked a day in her life, was evicted from her familyâs penthouse estate, her designer clothes and sports cars seized by federal marshals to pay off her fatherâs unpaid back taxes.
Two weeks after the boardroom raid, Maria walked out of a grocery store downtown, carrying a box of supplies for her motherâs recovery party.
Sitting on a park bench nearby was Celeste.
Her high-fashion suit was rumpled, her hair unstyled, her designer handbag replaced by a cheap canvas tote. She looked pale, exhausted, and completely broken.
When Celeste saw Maria, she froze, tears immediately welling up in her eyes. She bowed her head, waiting for Maria to mock her, to laugh at her, or to demand an apology for the night in the ballroom.
Instead, Maria walked over, pulled a bottle of cold water and a fresh sandwich from her bag, and gently set them on the bench beside Celeste.
Celeste looked at the food, then up at Maria in utter disbelief. âWhy... why are you doing this...? I tried to destroy your life. I made you kneel.â
Maria looked down at her with soft, compassionate eyes.
âBecause nobody deserves to starve, Celeste,â Maria said quietly. âAnd because holding onto hatred would only make me like you used to be. I hope you find peace.â
May you like
Maria turned and walked away into the afternoon sun.
Celeste sat on the bench, clutching the water bottle, and wept tears of genuine, deep remorse for the very first time in her life.
