CHAPTER 6: A NEW MORNING
Back at the estate, sunshine broke through the clouds for the first time in days. Elena was awake, sitting up in bed, color slowly returning to her face.
When Vincent entered, she tried to sit up higher, but winced in pain.
""Please, rest,"" Vincent said softly, placing a hand out.
""I don't know how to repay you, Mr. Corneille,"" Elena said, her voice hoarse. ""We have nothing. My husband... he left us with debts we couldn't comprehend before he passed.""
""You owe me nothing, Elena,"" Vincent said, pulling up a chair. ""Your husband’s bad choices are not your burden to bear, nor are they Sophie’s.""
""Why did you help us?"" she asked softly, looking deep into his weary eyes. ""A man in your position doesn't do this for free.""
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Vincent looked out the window toward the garden where Sophie was playing. ""Twenty years ago, I lost my daughter to a stray bullet meant for me. I had all the money in the world, yet I couldn't save her. Last night, God gave me a second chance to protect a child. You owe me nothing—you gave me peace.""
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