Mara stared at him for a beat. Then… she nodded.
She didn't feel bad. Not even a little. Jason had taken too much from her—years of confusion, stolen truths, and intentional lies. And Steve? Steve had just given her something no one ever had before: justice wrapped in loyalty. She felt it in her chest like warmth spreading.
"Good," she said simply.
Stanley smirked, eyes glinting. "Nice job, brother."
"Yeah," Stanford muttered. "I wish I could take his eyes too."
The brief exchange pulled a smile from Mara despite herself. Stanley and Stanford's phones buzzed almost at the same time—corporate life never slowed down. They both looked apologetic but firm.
"I need to head back," Stanley said. "Board meeting."
"You'll be okay?" Stanford added, more brother than banker now.
Mara nodded. "I'll be fine. Thank you… all of you."
They left with a promise to see her later, and Steve offered her his arm.
"I'm heading to the law firm," he said.
"I'll come with you," she offered quickly.
