Chapter 29 - The Foundation
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The massive iron gates of the Hudson Valley estate stood wide open. For seventeen years, they had been a symbol of absolute power and terrifying isolation. Now, a simple bronze plaque was affixed to the stone pillar near the entrance.
The Elena Vale Sanctuary for Women and Children.
Dominic stood on the grand marble steps of the main house, watching a team of contractors carry out the final pieces of antique furniture he had ordered sold. In their place, bright, comfortable couches and play areas were being installed. The library, where he had once plotted the destruction of his enemies, was being converted into a legal aid clinic. The wine cellar was permanently sealed with concrete.
Daniel walked up the steps, carrying a clipboard filled with construction manifests. He looked thoroughly confused by his new role as project manager, but he executed it with the same brutal efficiency he had applied to security.
"The medical wing in the east corridor is finished, boss," Daniel reported. "The pediatricians move in next week. And the residential suites are fully furnished."
"Good," Dominic said, looking up at the sprawling stone facade. "Make sure the security protocols are focused entirely on keeping threats out, not keeping people in. I want the residents to feel safe, not imprisoned."
"Understood," Daniel said. He paused, looking at the man he had followed through hell. "It feels different around here, doesn't it?"
"It feels clean, Daniel. For the first time."
A black town car pulled into the circular driveway. Victoria stepped out, leaning heavily on a silver-handled cane. She surveyed the massive transformation of the estate, her critical eyes taking in the children's playground being built where the formal hedge maze used to be.
She walked slowly up the steps to stand beside Dominic.
"You are giving away a fifty-million-dollar property to house strangers," Victoria stated, though there was no judgment in her voice.
"I am giving away a graveyard so it can become a home," Dominic corrected. "Elena hated this house. She said it was cold. I am finally warming it up."
Victoria nodded slowly, her eyes finding the bronze plaque near the gates.
May you like
"She would be proud of you, Dominic. For the first time in your life, she would be entirely proud."
Dominic did not say anything. He simply watched the sunlight hit the stone walls, feeling the crushing weight of the past finally begin to lift from his shoulders.
