Chapter 19 - The Master Builder's Return
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At 2:00 PM that afternoon, a sleek black town car pulled through the gates of the Bel Air estate.
The rear door opened, and I stepped out onto the driveway.
I wore a tailored dark navy suit, a simple silk scarf covering the bruising around my neck. My left eye was still swollen, but my posture was straight, my head held high.
I walked up the stone steps and entered the grand foyer.
The mansion was completely silent now. The party decorations had been cleared away, the furniture covered in white canvas sheets, the servants gone.
I walked over to the center of the hall, where the shattered glass from my husband’s compass had been swept up and placed neatly inside the plain wooden box on a side table.
I picked up the dented brass frame, holding it in my palm.
Arthur Langford stepped into the foyer behind me, carrying his leather folder.
“The board of directors met an hour ago, Eleanor,” Arthur reported smoothly. “They voted unanimously to appoint you as active CEO of all subsidiary branches. Victor’s name has been completely scrubbed from the company registry.”
I looked up at the high ceilings, taking in the grand arches and the sparkling chandeliers.
“Sell the house, Arthur,” I said softly.
Arthur paused. “Sell it?”
May you like
“List it tomorrow morning,” I replied, turning to face him. “Donate every dollar of the proceeds to local shelters for abused women and elder care facilities.”
“Consider it done,” Arthur nodded.
