Chapter 9 - The Clearing of the Estate
Over the following week, a team of professional movers cleared every trace of Victoria Sterling from the mansion.
Her designer gowns, her custom jewelry, her imported sports cars, and her portrait in the grand gallery were removed.
Under the terms of the federal asset forfeiture decree, all luxury items purchased with embezzled funds were auctioned to reimburse the logistics accounts.
Elena worked alongside the domestic staff to redesign the nursery wing.
They replaced the cold, modern glass furniture with handcrafted wooden cribs, soft pastel rugs, and shelves filled with classic storybooks.
Little Leo thrived in the new environment, his cheerful laughter echoing down the hallways where tension had once reigned.
One afternoon, Marcus joined Elena in the sunlit garden terrace where Leo was playing on a soft blanket.
Leo crawled over to Marcus’s boots, tugging at his trousers with a wide, toothless grin.
Marcus scooped his son into his arms, lifting him high into the warm afternoon air as the boy giggled with delight.
"Look at him, Elena," Marcus said, looking over at her with deep gratitude.
"He isn't afraid anymore."
"Children heal quickly when they know they are surrounded by genuine love, Marcus," Elena replied, smiling warmly as she folded a baby blanket.
Marcus watched Elena, admiring the quiet grace, intelligence, and courage that radiated from her every movement.
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The house was no longer a cold museum of socialite vanity.
It was slowly, beautifully becoming a real home.
