Chapter 6 - THE CHOICEPrince Adrian frowned, stepping between Daniel and Nora. "Helena, this family has insulted your honor and the dignity of our house. You do not owe this man anything. Our aircraft is waiting. We can leave this miserable estate and never return."
Nora looked at her brother, then down at Evelyn and Charles, who were watching her with terrified, desperate eyes. Finally, she looked back at Daniel.
She saw no greed in Daniel's eyes. She saw no desire to save his family's fortune. She saw only a heartbroken man who was willing to cast away his wealth, his position, and his family name just to prove his love for her.
"Adrian," Nora said softly to her brother. "Stand down."
Prince Adrian hesitated, then stepped back, signaling his guards to lower their sabers.
Nora stepped forward and took Daniel's hands in hers. They were warm, steady, and familiar.
"You failed to protect me yesterday, Daniel," Nora said gently, but firmly. "You let your family walk all over me because you were afraid of losing what they built."
"I know," Daniel whispered, tears spilling down his cheeks. "It was the biggest mistake of my life."
"To be a true leader—whether of a company or a family—you must know when to break free from toxic roots," Nora continued. "You just threw away your family's empire for me. That is the bravery I was waiting to see."
Nora turned her head toward the Grand Chancellor. "Chancellor."
"Yes, Your Highness?"
"The freeze on Hawthorne Capital's debt will remain in place under one condition," Nora commanded, her voice ringing out with supreme authority. "Charles Hawthorne will step down immediately as Chairman. Evelyn Hawthorne will be stripped of all board seats and public oversight of the family's charitable foundations."
Evelyn gasped, but she didn't dare utter a single complaint. Loss of power was painful, but bankruptcy was total ruin.
"And the company?" Charles whispered frantically.
"The company will be restructured into a transparent ethical investment trust," Nora declared. "And its new, sole governing Chairman will be Sophie Hawthorne."
Sophie’s eyes went wide. She gasped, clutching her chest. "Me? Nora... I don't know how to run an empire!"
Nora smiled warmly at the young woman. "You have something your parents lack, Sophie: a conscious heart. My family's financial advisors will guide you. You will rebuild this family's legacy into something truly honorable."
Sophie looked at her mother, who sat in stunned silence, then at Nora. Tears of gratitude filled Sophie's eyes as she bowed her head. "I won't let you down, Helena."
Nora then turned back to Daniel. "As for you, Daniel Hawthorne..."
Daniel held his breath, his heart beating wildly in his chest.
"You are no longer the heir to Hawthorne Capital," Nora said, a soft, beautiful smile breaking across her face. "You are just Daniel. And if you still want to marry a girl who works in a bookstore... my brother's sovereign chaplain is standing right next to the helicopter."
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Daniel let out a breathless, disbelieving laugh. He pulled Nora into his arms, spinning her around as the afternoon sun broke through the storm clouds, casting a golden glow over the entire estate.
"I would marry you anywhere," Daniel whispered in her ear. "In a cathedral, in a rainstorm, or in an unheated garage."
