Chapter 14 - The Return to the Gates
The Vance estate gates loomed high, their black iron bars glistening beneath a layer of fresh winter frost. Snow dusted the lawn where the extravagant birthday party had unfolded weeks before.
A taxi stopped fifty yards down the road, and Gage stepped out. He was dressed in clean but inexpensive thrift-store clothes: dark jeans, a canvas winter jacket, and work boots. The swaggering, arrogant heir had vanished entirely; in his place stood a weathered, quiet young man with clear, humble eyes.
He approached the security gate. The intercom camera whirred, focusing on his face.
"State your business," a security guard's voice sounded through the speaker.
"It's Gage," he said quietly. "I don't want any money. I don't want to come inside. I only want to leave something for Lily."
The gate did not buzz open. Instead, the heavy iron lock clicked, and the massive gates swung slowly backward. Standing at the end of the long cobblestone drive was Arthur, alone, holding a steaming mug of black coffee against the winter chill.
Gage’s throat tightened. His instinct was to flee, but he forced his boots forward, step by step, crunching on the packed snow until he stood six feet from his elder brother.
Neither spoke for a long minute. Arthur looked at Gage’s rough, raw hands, then at the small parcel held carefully in his grip.
May you like
"She’s in the library," Arthur said softly.
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