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I glance at Burn again. He gives a slight nod.
"We're not doing this to punish you," I say gently. "We just want what's best for the next generation."
Burn steps forward and puts a hand on Remy's shoulder. "No more lies. No more manipulation. If you can abide by that, you'll have a place in your great-grandchild's life."
Remy places his gnarled hand over Burn's. "You have my word," he rasps.
For the first time in decades, the hardness in his eyes has dissolved. I realize with a start that they are bright with tears.
Burn smiles and squeezes Remy's shoulder. "Then it's settled."
He retrieves the legal documents from his briefcase and slides them across the table. Remy scrawls his signature without hesitation, signing away his empire.
There are no more words needed. The air hums with new possibilities.
Remy's hand trembles slightly as he signs the documents relinquishing control of the company. I feel a pang of sympathy for the old man. Despite everything he's done, this can't be easy for him.
As the ink dries on the paper, the weight of the moment settles over us. Decades of toxicity and manipulation are finally coming to an end.
Burn neatly gathers the documents and replaces them in his briefcase. He turns to Remy.
"Thank you, grandfather," he says solemnly. "I know this wasn't easy, but it means a great deal to Dare and me."
Remy nods, his eyes glistening. "I've made many mistakes. But perhaps there's still time for me to make amends."
He glances between Burn and me. In his watery eyes I can see a glimmer of hope.
"We'll give you that chance," I say. "The future starts today."
I step forward and extend my hand. After a moment's hesitation, Remy takes my hand in his own. His grip is weaker than it once was, but there's warmth there that I haven't felt in many years.
Burn places his hand over ours. The three of us stand in silence for a moment, letting the meaning of this new bond resonate.
When we break apart, Remy wipes his eyes discreetly. Clearing his throat, he says, "Well, I suppose I should go greet my future great-grandchild."
Burn smiles. "I think she's anxious to meet her great-grandfather."
Together, we walk toward the light of a new beginning.
Remy's steps falter as we approach the waiting room where Talia sits. He pauses just outside the door, uncertainty flickering across his face.
"It's all right," I say gently. "Talia has agreed to put the past behind her if you will. All we are asking is that you be respectful."
He takes a deep breath and squares his shoulders before pushing open the door.
Talia looks up from her magazine, one hand resting lightly on her swollen belly. She offers Remy a tentative smile.
"Hello, Mr. Morgan."
"You can call me Remy." He shuffles over to perch awkwardly on the edge of a chair near her. "I, uh...I know that congratulations are in order. I expect you're due any day now."
"In about five weeks." Talia glances at me, and I give her an encouraging nod. "We're very excited to meet our daughter soon."
Remy's eyes drop to Talia's stomach. "A little girl," he murmurs. "May I...?"
Talia nods and guides his trembling hand to rest against her belly. Remy's breath catches at the gentle fluttering movement beneath his palm.
As Remy feels the soft kicks of his great-granddaughter, his eyes fill with tears. Talia's hand covers his, offering silent support. For a brief moment, the three of us are united by the new life growing inside of Talia.
