Outside, the night air felt lighter than anything I had ever breathed in that house. Behind us, the Collins table was already collapsing under the weight of what had been exposed.
I could hear my father still saying my name, but it no longer carried authority. Daniel walked beside me, not asking questions, just making sure I didn’t look back.
I told myself I was no longer waiting to be understood by people committed to misunderstanding me.
We reached the car and I finally let the silence settle without fear.
I knew the company, the reputation, and the family image would never be the same again.
For the first time, I wasn’t the daughter trying to be chosen, but someone already standing free.
