CHAPTER 9: AN UNEXPECTED VISIT
Two weeks later, an unexpected guest arrived at the Sterling estate. An older woman named Eleanor Vance, Clara’s estranged mother, stood at the front gates holding a worn suitcase.
Clara hadn't spoken to her mother in nearly six years. Eleanor had disapproved of Clara marrying into a wealthy family, believing that vast wealth always corrupts human hearts, and had cut off communication when Clara refused to break off the engagement with Ethan.
When Clara walked down the grand foyer and saw her mother standing near the doorway, her breath caught in her throat.
""Mom?"" Clara gasped, stopping in her tracks.
Eleanor looked older, her graying hair gathered in a neat bun, her clothes humble but clean. Her hands trembled slightly as she held her handbag. ""Hello, Clara.""
Arthur stepped out of the study, observing the quiet tension between mother and daughter. Sensing the delicate nature of the moment, Arthur stepped forward with gracious manners. ""Welcome to our home, Mrs. Vance. Please, come inside out of the cold.""
In the sitting room, Eleanor sat stiffly on the velvet armchair, accepting a glass of water from the staff. She looked around at the grand oil paintings and high ceilings with familiar skepticism, but her expression softened when Lily ran into the room, holding a drawing of a yellow butterfly.
""Mommy, look!"" Lily chirped, stopping short when she noticed the visitor.
Eleanor stared at the child, tears instantly welling in her eyes. She saw Ethan’s soft smile and Clara’s bright eyes in the little girl's face. ""Is this... is this Lily?""
Clara walked over, kneeling beside her daughter. ""Lily, this is your grandmother. My mommy.""
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Lily’s face lit up with pure joy. ""Grandma! I have a grandma?""
Eleanor dropped her bag and lowered herself to her knees, opening her arms wide. Lily ran straight into her embrace without hesitation. As Eleanor held her granddaughter for the very first time, years of pride, resentment, and distance melted away into quiet tears.
