Chapter Eleven: A Father's Legacy

The aftermath of Claire’s exposé rippled through Ashton Hill, shaking the town to its core. Richard Colton and his conspirators were indicted, and a thorough investigation was launched, revealing the depth of their corruption. Amid the chaos, the community began to heal, but the scars of betrayal ran deep.

For Saint, the journey had been transformative. He had come to Ashton Hill seeking answers and found a mission, a purpose that connected him to his father’s legacy. But with the major battles fought and the immediate threats neutralized, he felt a profound emptiness, a sense of loss that refused to fade.

One gray morning, as autumn leaves swirled in the wind, Saint stood at the edge of the old cemetery. It was a quiet place, tucked away from the bustle of town. Here, among the weathered headstones, lay the remains of those who had shaped Ashton Hill’s history—including Daniel Hargrove.

Saint approached his father’s grave, the stone marker bearing the simple inscription:

Daniel Hargrove
Ninth ninety twenty five- twenty fifteen
Beloved Father and Protector of Ashton Hill

He knelt down, brushing away the...