Chapter 31
The Return
The gates of the Valdés estate loomed ahead, massive and intimidating. Elena sat in the passenger seat of Alejandro’s car, her hands resting nervously on her stomach. The last time she had been here, she was running for her life up the stairs to the rooftop.
Sensing her anxiety, Alejandro reached across the center console and gently placed his hand over hers.
"We don't have to live here if you don't want to," he said quietly. "I can sell it tomorrow."
"No," Elena said, taking a deep breath and sitting up straighter. "I won't let them chase me out of my son's legacy. This is your home. It’s his home."
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The car pulled up to the grand entrance. The staff, the ones who had remained loyal to the grandfather and despised Beatriz, were lined up by the stairs. When Alejandro helped Elena out of the car, they bowed their heads in deep, genuine respect.
Walking through the grand hall, Elena looked up at the portrait of the late Lord Valdés. For the first time, she saw the uncanny resemblance to the man walking beside her. The cold, oppressive atmosphere of the mansion seemed to have vanished, replaced by a profound, sweeping sense of justice.
