Chapter 14: Dawn Over the Estate
The first rays of pale autumn sunlight broke through the heavy gray clouds on the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue across the wet gravel of the estate's grand circular driveway. Down below, the flashing red and blue lights of federal transport vehicles and state police cruisers illuminated the sprawling lawns, their sirens silenced now in the quiet stillness of early morning.
Clara stood on the grand stone balcony of the manor house, the cool morning breeze gently stirring her dark hair. The blood had long since been washed from her face, and the green evening dress had been replaced by a simple, warm wool coat provided by the federal medical team. Cradled securely against her chest, the infant slept peacefully, breathing with a steady, rhythmic warmth that symbolized a completely fresh start.
Behind her in the study, federal marshals were calmly escorting Eleanor Sterling toward the private elevator. The matriarch walked with her head held high, refusing assistance, her silver gown sweeping silently across the Persian rug—a fallen queen retreating into the darkness of her own making, stripped of her power, her network, and her illusions.
May you like
Julian sat slumped in a leather armchair near the fireplace, his tuxedo jacket wrinkled, his hands
[... đã cắt bớt, xem bản đầy đủ trong tệp trên máy ...]
