Chapter 9: The House with the Garden
When the black limousine pulled up the cobblestone driveway of a bright, sunlit villa in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Leo and Theo pressed their noses against the tinted glass in total disbelief.
The three-story stone house was surrounded by lush green lawns, blooming rose bushes, and tall oak trees shedding golden autumn leaves.
"Is this a hotel?" Theo asked in awe.
"No, buddy," Julien said, opening the door and stepping out to help Claire into a comfortable wheelchair. "This is your home."
Claire covered her mouth, tears spilling over her eyelashes. "Julien, this is too much... we can't accept this."
"Claire, your days of struggling in damp rooms are over," Julien said firmly, kneeling beside her chair. "You raised two brilliant, brave boys with more honor and courage than anyone I have ever met in the high-society circles of Europe. This isn't charity. This is Arthur's estate taking care of the family who sheltered him."
Leo ran across the manicured grass, stopping beneath a massive oak tree before turning back with the widest smile Julien had ever seen. "Mr. Julien! Look! There's room for a swing!"
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For the first time in his life, Julien felt the heavy knot of loneliness inside his chest untangle completely.
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