137 Not a Monster, But a Hero
Hazel’s POV
“So it’s confirmed? The charges will stick?” I couldn’t keep the disbelief from my voice, even though I’d been anticipating this moment for weeks.
Sebastian nodded, setting down his fork. “Your father’s arrest is just the beginning. The financial crimes unit has uncovered enough evidence to ensure he won’t see freedom anytime soon.”
The private dining room at Lumière suddenly felt warmer. I’d barely touched my dessert – a delicate chocolate soufflé that would normally have tempted me. Instead, I found myself staring at it, trying to process what Sebastian’s words truly meant.
My father was going to prison. Harold Shaw, who had terrorized my childhood and stolen my inheritance, was finally facing consequences.
“Hazel?” Cora’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “Are you alright?”
I looked up to find both siblings watching me with concern. Cora had lingered after our lunch, apparently canceling her meeting to stay longer. I suspected Sebastian had texted her about the news he planned to deliver.
“I’m fine,” I said automatically. “It’s just… surreal.”
Sebastian’s eyes never left my face. “You’ve been remarkably composed throughout this entire ordeal. Most people would have crumbled under half the pressure you’ve faced.”
I forced a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes. “What choice did I have?”
“Many,” he replied. “You could have walked away. Taken the settlement money and disappeared. Started fresh somewhere else.”
“And let him win?” I shook my head. “Never.”
Cora’s lips curved into an approving smile. “I like your spirit.”
Something inside me suddenly broke. The walls I’d built so carefully started to crumble. All the doubt and insecurity I’d been hiding rushed to the surface.
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137 Not a Monster, But a Hero
“Do you think I’m cold?” The question burst from me before I could stop it.
Sebastian blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Cold?”
“Heartless. Manipulative.” The words tumbled out in a rush. “I just orchestrated my own father’s arrest. What kind of daughter does that make me?”
Cora set down her wineglass with a sharp click. “A daughter who finally stood up for herself after years of abuse.”
“But-”
“No,” Sebastian cut in, his voice gentle but firm. “Harold Shaw gave up his right to your loyalty the moment he stole from you. The moment he chose your stepsister over you. The moment he treated you like you were disposable.”
My hands trembled slightly as I reached for my water. “Sometimes I worry I’ve become… monstrous. That I’ve let revenge consume me until I’m no better than them.”
“You’re not a monster, Hazel.” Sebastian reached across the table, his fingers stopping just short of mine. “What you’ve done isn’t revenge. It’s justice.”
“He broke the law,” Cora added pragmatically. “You simply made sure he couldn’t escape the consequences.”
I looked between them, searching for judgment in their eyes and finding none. “Most people wouldn’t see it that way.”
“Most people haven’t lived through what you have,” Sebastian replied. His gaze intensified. “You’re not a monster, Hazel. You’re a hero.”
“A hero?” I almost laughed.
“Yes.” His conviction silenced me. “You stood up not just for yourself, but for everyone else he’s harmed. The investors he defrauded. The employees whose pensions he stole. You stopped him from hurting more people.”
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. I blinked them back furiously, unwilling to
break down here.
Cora reached across the table, taking my hand in hers. The gesture surprised me; she hadn’t struck me as the physically affectionate type.
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“My brother’s right,” she said. “What you did took courage. Real courage.”
A weight I hadn’t known I was carrying seemed to lift from my shoulders. Their understanding – their validation – meant more than I could express.
“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice steadier than I expected. “Both of you.”
Sebastian signaled for the check, but the waiter shook his head.
“It’s already been taken care of, sir.”
I frowned. “But I invited you to thank you. This was supposed to be my treat.”
Sebastian’s mouth quirked up at one corner. “You can get the next one.”
The next one. My heart skipped at the implication of future meals together.
“I’ll hold you to that,” I replied, the tension from minutes ago dissolving into something lighter.
We made our way out of the private dining room, back through the main restaurant. Sebastian walked slightly ahead, clearing a path through the crowded dining room with his commanding presence. Cora fell into step beside me.
“I’d love to see your studio sometime,” she said casually. “Sebastian mentioned you’re working on a new collection.”
“I am,” I replied, surprised by her interest. “You’re welcome anytime.”
“How about now?” She checked her watch. “I’ve already blown off my afternoon meetings. Might as well make a day of it.”
I blinked. “Now?”
“Unless you have other plans?”
I glanced at Sebastian, who had stopped to wait for us. “I was going to head back to the studio anyway. You’re welcome to join me.”
“Perfect!” Cora smiled. “Sebastian, you don’t mind, do you? I’m stealing your lunch date.”
He gave her a look that spoke volumes about sibling dynamics. “Try not to terrorize
her too much.”
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“No promises,” Cora replied cheerfully.
As we approached the restaurant’s grand entrance, a familiar figure caught my eye. Vera Vance, my best friend and the owner of Lumière, was directing staff at the reception desk. She spotted us immediately, her professional demeanor shifting to delight.
“Hazel!” She rushed over, embracing me tightly. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I would have prepared something special.”
“It was a last-minute thing,” I explained, returning her hug. When we separated, I noticed her curious gaze darting between Sebastian and Cora.
“Mr. Sinclair,” Vera nodded respectfully to Sebastian. “Always an honor to have you at Lumière.”
“The pleasure is mine, Ms. Vance. Your chef continues to outdo himself.”
Vera’s attention shifted to Cora. “Ms. Cadwell. I didn’t realize you were joining them today.”
“Last-minute addition,” Cora replied smoothly. “I couldn’t resist meeting the famous Hazel Shaw.”
Vera raised an eyebrow at me, clearly filing away questions for later. “Well, you’re all in good company.” She turned back to me. “Dinner tonight? I want details.”
“I’ll call you,” I promised.
Sebastian stepped forward. “Your valet service seems overwhelmed. I’ll arrange for our
cars.”
As he moved toward the reception desk, Cora laughed softly. “Always taking charge.”
Vera watched him go with undisguised interest. “So that’s why you’ve been unavailable lately.”
“It’s not what you think,” I said quickly.
“It never is,” Vera replied with a knowing smirk.
Cora observed our exchange with amusement. “I was just telling Hazel I’d like to see her studio. Perhaps join forces for the Governor’s Ball next month.”
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Vera’s eyes widened. “That would be incredible exposure for Evening Gala.”
“Exactly what I was thinking,” Cora agreed.
Sebastian returned, handing me a claim ticket. “Your car will be at the front in two
minutes.”
“Thank you.” Our fingers brushed as I took the ticket, sending a jolt of awareness through me.
Vera watched the interaction with poorly concealed glee. “Well, isn’t this cozy? All my favorite people in one place.”
“You all know each other?” I asked, looking between them.
“The Sinclairs have been patrons of Lumière since we opened,” Vera explained. “Cora conducted her first major business acquisition over dinner at table seven.”
“And Sebastian proposed his first corporate takeover at table twelve,” Cora added with a grin.
Sebastian remained impassive. “Small world.”
“Or carefully constructed one,” Cora murmured, just loud enough for me to hear.
I glanced between them all, suddenly feeling like I was missing something important. “Well, it’s nice that we’re all connected.”
“More than you know,” Cora said cryptically, heading toward the door. “Shall we go see your designs? I’m particularly interested in seeing what you’ve been working on for the
winter collection.”
As I followed her out, with Sebastian close behind, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d just stepped into something much bigger than a simple lunch and studio visit.
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