Chapter 14: Still Choosing

The reopening of Daniel Jensen's case marked the beginning of healing rather than its end.

Over the following month, Adrian Vale accepted a plea agreement that confirmed his role in the conspiracy surrounding Daniel's death and the theft of Preston Institute's research.

Martin Voss testified in open court.

Eleanor Halley publicly apologized for interfering in Sheila and Edmond's relationship, though Sheila knew forgiveness would take longer than any statement.

The institute completed the final verification trial of the prototype.

The adaptive lattice exceeded every benchmark.

Government agencies, hospitals, and international research groups requested demonstrations.

York stood beside Sheila in the laboratory with tears in his eyes.

"Your father would have been proud," he said.

"He already was," Sheila replied, remembering the recording.

Edmond entered carrying a small velvet box.

She raised an eyebrow. "That looks suspicious."

"It is not what you think," he said.

He opened it.

Inside was the repaired silver watch he had given her years ago.

"It stopped the day we broke up," he said. "I finally had it fixed."

She fastened it around her wrist.

"Thank you."

"No grand speeches today," Edmond said. "Just one question."

She smiled softly. "Go ahead."

"Would you like to travel with me next month after the international conference? No business. No families. No laboratories."

She laughed.

"Is that your version of romance?"

"I'm improving."

"You are."

"So?"

She slipped her fingers through his.

"Yes. I'd like that very much."

Simon walked in at exactly the wrong moment.

"Seriously? Every time?"

Everyone laughed.

For the first time in years, the laughter reached Sheila's heart.

Outside, reporters still waited.

But inside the institute, life finally felt larger than the headlines.