Chapter 14
Sunday morning arrived with a brilliant, clear sky that made the grand European-style mansion gleam against the surrounding landscape. The circular fountains in the immaculate gardens sent up sparkling sprays of water, catching the bright daylight in a dazzling display of color and motion.
At the perimeter of the estate, the massive ornate black iron gates stood fully open, welcoming visitors without restriction.
A sleek black sedan smoothly navigated the paved driveway, coming to a gentle halt near the mansion entrance. Well-dressed staff members stood at attention along the path, their professional composure intact, though a subtle warmth now characterized their demeanor.
Julian stepped out of the passenger side of the car, quickly walking around to assist his mother, Clara, as she stepped onto the pristine stone courtyard. Clara wore a simple, elegant navy dress, her eyes shining with unseeving emotion as she looked up at the towering facade of Blackwood Manor. She had not set foot on these grounds since her husband had been unjustly dismissed five years ago under a cloud of false suspicion.
Richard Blackwood was waiting on the grand stone steps, standing alone without legal counsel or security guards. As Clara and Julian approached, Richard descended to meet them halfway, extending his hand with quiet, unpretentious grace.
"Welcome to Blackwood Manor, Mrs. Vance—pardon me, Mrs. Miller," Richard corrected himself with a slight, self-deprecating smile, acknowledging her resumed maiden name. "It is an honor to have you here."
Clara shook his hand firmly, her voice steady and clear. "Thank you, Mr. Blackwood. My husband always said you were a good man at heart, even when the world was falling apart around you."
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"He was a better man than I was," Richard replied softly, his gaze lingering on Clara before shifting to Julian. "And he raised a son who saved this estate from its own corruption."
Julian felt a quiet pride settle within him. They walked up the stone steps together, the heavy double carved wooden doors swinging inward to reveal the sweeping staircase, the crystal chandelier, and the fresh white lilies arranged artfully in the grand foyer.
