Chapter 6 - INSIDE THE EAST WING
While Jenna and my mother were plotting their pathetic little ambush, I was standing in the middle of a bedroom that looked larger than our entire former apartment.
The east wing of Vale Manor was an absolute masterpiece of classic architecture blended with modern luxury. Vaulted ceilings with intricate crown molding stretched overhead, and tall, arched windows offered a breathtaking view of the private rose gardens glowing under the moonlight. But it wasn't the size or the luxury that made my breath catch in my throat—it was the thoughtfulness behind it.
A knock sounded gently at the open door, and Margot stepped into the room, holding a sleek tablet and a folder of documents.
"Everything to your liking, Sarah?" Margot asked, her professional demeanor softening with a warm, genuine smile.
"It’s... it’s overwhelming, Margot," I admitted, running my hand across the velvet fabric of the armchair near the window. "I honestly feel like I’m going to wake up and find myself back in the cramped kitchen, listening to Jenna complain about my clothes."
Margot chuckled softly. "You won't be waking up from that dream, I assure you. Miss Vale has spent years waiting for the right moment to bring you both home. Your father’s estrangement was a great tragedy for her, and she has carried the guilt of it for decades. Seeing you and Lara... it has brought a light back into this house that hasn't been here in thirty years."
As if on cue, the connecting door to the adjoining suite opened, and Lara walked in. She was wearing a soft, silk bathrobe that had been custom-laid out for her, her dark hair brushed out and falling in gentle waves around her shoulders. She was holding a small, leather-bound photo album she had found on the mahogany desk in her room.
"Mom," Lara said, her eyes wide with wonder. "Look at this. Grandma showed me pictures of you when you were little. You had the exact same smile."
My heart swelled, a heavy wave of emotion washing over me. I walked over and pulled her into a tight hug, burying my face in her hair. "I'm so sorry I made you go to that barbecue, sweetie. I thought... I thought keeping the peace mattered more."
"It’s okay, Mom," Lara murmured, hugging me back just as fiercely. "We don't ever have to go back there again, right?"
"Never," a rich, gravelly voice echoed from the doorway.
We turned to see Helena Vale standing there, leaning slightly on her cane, her sharp dark eyes softened by an expression of profound affection. She walked slowly into the room, stopping just a few feet away from us.
"You never have to bow to anyone ever again, Lara," Helena said gently. "You are a Vale. And from this day forward, your world is safety, respect, and limitless possibility."
Before either of us could reply, the intercom panel near the door chimed softly. Margot tapped the screen, her professional expression instantly snapping back into place.
"Excuse me, Miss Vale," Margot said, her voice turning crisp and efficient. "Our perimeter sensors have just flagged two uninvited visitors at the main security checkpoint. It appears to be Mrs. Miller and your other daughter, attempting to gain access to the estate grounds."
Helena’s eyebrows arched slightly, a dry, humorless chuckle escaping her lips. "Well, well. Desperation looks remarkably ugly on them, doesn't it?"
May you like
I felt a sudden spike of anxiety. "Helena, what are they doing here? If they make a scene—"
"They won't," Helena interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. "This is my home, Sarah. No one enters these gates without my explicit permission. Margot, connect the front gate intercom to the master study display. I think it’s time we taught your sister a very expensive lesson in manners."
