(Rebuilt Sterling Manor)
Alia pried open the faded teddy bear. Inside, a microfilm revealed the complete formula for the antidote.
Carson wrapped his arms around her from behind, merger documents between Horizon and Sterling scattered across the long table.
"Sophie's requested to go to Tokyo—to destroy what's left of the toxin," he said, brushing away the tear on her lashes. "As for us, we need to decide what to name the new company."
Alia looked out into the garden, where Marta's roses were blooming through the scorched earth.
She tossed her father's letter into the fireplace. In the rising flames, a gold-stamped card gradually emerged—Sterling Horizon.
Far off, at Victor's grave, someone had left an unmarked white rose.
Wound around its stem, a tiny metal hummingbird turned gently in the wind.