Chapter 6: Total Ruin & New Dawn

Three months later.

The Aethelgard Imperial High Court delivered its final verdict on the collapse of House Carter.

Ethan Carter was convicted of eleven counts of corporate fraud, tax evasion, and illegal asset laundering. He was sentenced to twenty years in the northern penal colony. Baroness Chloe Vance was convicted of embezzlement and slander, sentenced to fifteen years of hard labor, her noble title permanently revoked.

A famous mugshot of Ethan and Chloe in orange prison jumpsuits—their hair ruined and faces hollow—became the most viral meme in the kingdom’s history.

Meanwhile, at the Grand Sinclair Convention Center, three thousand international journalists, fashion icons, and global leaders gathered for the launch of **Sinclair Crown**—the world’s newest and largest luxury conglomerate, owned 100% by Natalie Sinclair.

The lights dimmed. Flawless models walked the runway wearing breath-taking gowns woven from celestial silk and rare platinum thread—patents that had once secretly elevated Carter Luxury, now restored to their true master.

As the show concluded, the massive LED screens illuminated with a single portrait: Natalie Sinclair standing at the helm of Sinclair Financial Group, dressed in a royal navy tuxedo suit, holding her champagne glass toward the camera.

The caption beneath read:
*【True luxury is not defined by gold or title, but by the dignity of the soul.】*

In the executive suite on the top floor of Sinclair Tower, Natalie stood by the floor-to-ceiling glass window, looking out over the glowing skyline of Aethelgard.

Grand Butler Harrison walked in, placing a hot cup of English tea on the table beside her.

“Madam President,” Harrison bowed respectfully. “All assets of former House Carter have been liquidated and donated to the Sinclair Women’s & Children’s Foundation. Your legal name has been officially restored across all global registries.”

Natalie picked up the teacup, taking a slow, peaceful sip.

The rain had stopped. Outside her window, the morning sun broke through the clouds, casting brilliant golden rays across the city.

“Harrison,” Natalie smiled softly, her eyes bright with unshakeable confidence and inner peace.

“Yes, Miss Natalie?”

“Prepare the flight to Paris. Our new journey has just begun.”