The Painting is Returned

Boris reveals that he has not recovered the painting for Theo to keep, but to claim the massive reward offered for its return. He has anonymously tipped off the police, who have raided a Frankfurt apartment and recovered The Goldfinch along with dozens of other stolen masterpieces. Boris gives Theo a large portion of the reward money. Theo is initially furious, but he comes to understand that this is the only way to end the cycle of secrecy and danger. The painting is finally returned to the world, and Theo is freed from its burden.