Chapter 309 Chapter 309

Chapter 309 Chapter 309
Chapter 309

The grand dining room at Maria’s estate was quiet, illuminated by the warm overhead chandelier as the clock on the wall struck 8:35 PM. The long mahogany table was set simply for three, with soft instrumental music playing softly in the background. Ethan, Isabelle, and Maria sat together, enjoying a slow, peaceful dinner of grilled salmon and roasted vegetables.

Ethan set his fork down on the cloth napkin beside his plate, clearing his throat lightly as he turned his attention toward his mother.
"Mom," Ethan began smoothly, his voice carrying a calm, steady weight. "Isabelle and I went by the penthouse earlier today to grab my personal files. Standing in that hallway... I realized I can't live there anymore. It's just full of bad memories, anxiety, and everything that went wrong over the last two years."

Maria paused, setting her glass of water down and looking across the table at her son with motherly warmth.
"I don't blame you, Ethan," Maria said gently. "That apartment was never a home. It was just a place to hide."

"We've decided we're moving back into the main Castellan estate," Ethan continued, reaching across the table to cover Isabelle’s hand with his own. "My father is gone, and he's never coming back. That house was built by grandfather before Richard ever ruined it. Isabelle and I want to reclaim it, clear out his shadow, and turn it into a real home for ourselves."

A soft, proud smile spread across Maria’s face as she looked between Ethan and Isabelle. "I think that is the best decision you could possibly make. That estate belongs to you, Ethan. It’s time it had real life and love inside those walls again."
Maria took a small sip of her water before resting her hands on the edge of the table, her expression shifting slightly as she brought up a fresh piece of news. "Speaking of your father... Agent Miller called my office late this afternoon with an update on the legal proceedings."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "What kind of update?"
"It turns out the federal prosecutors aren't just trying him for the extortion and fake police reports," Maria explained, her voice even and composed. "A brand-new case was officially opened against him today, involving Drake Monroe. Federal investigators uncovered evidence showing that Richard and the Monroe family were involved in a massive financial scam together about ten years ago."
Isabelle looked over at Maria in surprise. "Ten years ago?"

"Yes," Maria nodded. "They skimmed tens of millions from offshore investment funds and hid the paper trail behind shell companies. Now that Richard’s financial records are fully exposed, the authorities found the entire paper trail. Drake Monroe and Richard are both facing heavy federal fraud charges for it."

Ethan’s brows furrowed slightly as he processed the information. "Is any of that linked to the main Castellan accounts? I hope it won't affect the company or our current shareholders."
"No," Maria reassured him immediately, shaking her head. "Agent Miller confirmed it was entirely a private side deal between Richard and the Monroes. The company's corporate holdings and assets are completely clean and untouched. The legal blow is strictly between him and Drake."
Ethan let out a quiet breath of relief, nodding his head. "Good. Then he can answer for every single crime he committed back then, too."
Maria’s eyes softened as she looked directly at Isabelle, her gaze filled with genuine affection. She reached across the corner of the table, placing her palm over Isabelle's free hand.

"With all the dark history finally being swept away," Maria said, her tone deeply emotional yet grounded, "I just want to say this properly. Isabelle, welcome back to the family, my dear. We went through a long, painful storm to get to this day, but having you here beside Ethan makes my heart completely full."
Isabelle smiled warmly, her eyes shining in the soft dining room light as she squeezed Maria’s hand back tight. "Thank you, Mom. It means everything to me."
Ethan smiled as he held Isabelle’s hand, feeling the quiet strength of his family coming together at last around the dinner table.