At 11:47 p.m., Claire Bennett Holloway was seven months pregnant

In the days that followed, the story of Claire Holloway and her brother Ethan became the defining narrative of the year.

The public’s fascination with Grant’s downfall quickly shifted to admiration for Claire’s resilience. She wasn't the "instable woman" the media had been fed; she was a victim who had been systematically dismantled by a sociopath, only to survive him through sheer force of will.

Ethan stayed by her side, dismantling the remnants of Grant’s empire with surgical precision. Every cent Grant had stolen was returned to the victims. Every shell company was shuttered. By the end of the month, Holloway Enterprises didn't exist.

Claire, meanwhile, was healing.

She moved into a private estate miles away from the city, a place where the air was quiet and the only sound was the wind through the trees. She spent her days preparing for Noah’s arrival, surrounded by family who actually loved her.

One evening, as she sat on the porch, Ethan brought her a cup of tea.

"The final settlements are complete," he said, handing her a document. "He’s been sentenced to fifteen years in a federal facility. He won't be coming out any time soon."

Claire took the document, staring at the name Grant Holloway one last time before setting it aside. "I don't hate him, Ethan. I just don't think about him at all."