Chapter 14: Rebuilding the Foundation
The morning light washed over the limestone facade of the Park Avenue townhouse, bringing with it a crisp autumn breeze that signaled the shifting of seasons in New York. Inside the grand kitchen, Mrs. Higgins was pouring fresh coffee into a porcelain cup when Julian walked in. He wore a casual navy cashmere sweater instead of his usual three-piece suit, his dark hair falling naturally across his forehead without its customary slick of pomade.
Mrs. Higgins paused, raising an eyebrow in mild surprise. "Good morning, Mr. Vance. You're up early—and dressed quite comfortably for a Saturday."
"No board meetings today, Mrs. Higgins," Julian said, taking the coffee cup from her hands. "Just family."
A slow, genuine smile spread across the housekeeper’s weathered face. "That sounds like a plan long overdue."
Moments later, Elena walked into the kitchen, dressed in a simple cream-colored linen shirt and tailored trousers. She looked rested, the dark circles under her eyes fading. She stopped short when she saw Julian standing there without his corporate armor, holding a mug of coffee.
"Julian?" she asked, her voice cautious.
"Good morning, Elena," he said, turning to face her. There was no coldness in his gray eyes, no rigid posturing. "I spoke with Stella last night."
Elena’s shoulders stiffened instinctively. "About what?"
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"About us. About this house," Julian answered evenly. "She told me she felt like an outsider here. And she was right. My rules, my absolute demands for p
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