Max looked haggard, a far cry from the arrogant king of a month ago. “Bella, please,” he pleaded. “Think of the baby. You don’t want his father to be a convict. Take the deal.”
Isabella looked at him with a calmness that terrified him. “My son will know who his father is, Max. He will know he was a man who chose greed over family. I don’t want your non-existent money. I want the full truth.”
The final settlement was brutal for Max. Isabella demanded the total surrender of any remaining assets, a televised public apology, and a lifetime restraining order. Max signed, weeping—not out of regret, but for the loss of his power.
Months later, Max was sentenced to three years in federal prison for wire fraud and embezzlement. Camilla Vane was exposed as a serial con artist who had done the same to three other businessmen and fled the country to avoid charges.
Five Years Later.
The garden of the mansion, now legally in Isabella’s name, was filled with laughter. Isabella was hosting the annual gala, but not to flaunt wealth—to raise funds for the “Reborn Foundation,” an organization she founded to help women and children escape financial abuse. In just five years, they had helped over 12,000 women regain their independence.
