Chapter 9 - The True Caretakers
The violent, chaotic tension finally evaporated from the grand luxury ballroom.
Preston immediately dismissed the shocked guests, demanding the estate be completely cleared. He didn't care about the gossip; he only cared about the people upstairs.
He walked quickly up the grand mahogany staircase and down the hall toward his mother's suite.
When he opened the door, a legitimate, fully licensed medical team—called in by Warren an hour ago—was already gently examining Eleanor, administering the counter-agents to flush the heavy sedatives from her system. Eleanor looked weak, but for the first time in months, her eyes were clear. She looked at her son and offered a frail, beautiful smile.
Preston let out a shuddering breath of immense relief. He kissed his mother's forehead, then turned to the corner of the room.
Rosa was standing there, clutching little Lucia tightly to her chest, trembling with leftover fear.
Preston walked over and dropped immediately to his knees on the carpet, bringing himself perfectly eye-level with the three-year-old girl.
“You are the bravest person I have ever met, Lucia,” Preston whispered, his deep voice thick with profound, overwhelming gratitude.
He looked up at Rosa.
“I am so sorry I didn't see what was happening to you,” Preston said softly. “You stayed to protect my mother when you could have just run away.”
May you like
“I couldn't leave her alone with that woman, Mr. Preston,” Rosa wept, hugging her daughter.
👉 Preston stood up, and his next command would completely alter their lives forever.
