Chapter 14: Thanksgiving
In late November, the Vance Penthouse hosted its first family holiday in over a decade. The long dining table was laden with roasted turkey, savory stuffing, and handcrafted pies made by Elena and the girls.
Marcus and a few trusted family friends joined the gathering. Chloe and Emma sat side by side, wearing matching velvet holiday dresses, laughing as they competed to see who could build the tallest mashed potato mountain.
"Girls, manners at the table," Elena said with a soft maternal laugh, handing them napkins.
Mateo stood up with his crystal glass, signaling for a toast. The room fell quiet, everyone looking at the billionaire who had undergone an unmistakable transformation over the past six months.
"For most of my adult life, I believed that success was measured in towers of concrete, balance sheets, and boardroom victories," Mateo began, his voice deep and sincere. "I built tall walls around myself because I thought isolation was strength."
He looked down at Chloe, then at Emma, and finally at Elena.
"I was wrong. True strength is having someone to protect. True wealth is the love that fills this room. Six months ago, a little girl in an old cardigan walked into my life and saved me from my own emptiness. To my daughters, and to Elena—thank you for making this house a home."
"To family!" Marcus called out, raising his glass, followed by the cheerful clinking of glasses around the table.
Emma looked up at Mateo and whispered across the table, "I love you, Daddy."
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"I love you too, Emma," Mateo replied, his heart completely full.
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