Chapter 8 - The Farmhouse in Vermont
Two months later.
The air in the Green Mountains of Vermont was cool, crisp, and filled with the scent of pine and sweet autumn apples.
A small, charming red farmhouse sat at the end of a long dirt driveway, surrounded by ancient maple trees whose leaves were turning brilliant shades of orange and gold. In the backyard, a simple wooden swing hung from a high branch, swaying gently in the afternoon breeze.
A large moving truck was parked near the barn, its rear doors open.
Tobias, wearing a simple flannel shirt, dark jeans, and boots covered in light dust, emerged from the back of the truck carrying a large wooden sandbox frame. He set it down on the grass near the swing set, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead with his forearm.
Vance walked up beside him, carrying two heavy toolboxes. "That's the last of the heavy equipment from the city, boss. The security perimeter around the property is fully operational. Hidden cameras along the fence line, encrypted gate access, and two guards stationed at the lower driveway twenty-four hours a day."
"Thank you, Vance," Tobias said, offering his hand.
Vance shook it with a warm, rare smile. "It's good to see you out of a suit, Mr. Marrow."
"It's good to be out of one," Tobias replied, looking toward the house.
After the legal war in Manhattan ended, Tobias had made a decision that shocked Wall Street. He had stepped down as active CEO of Marrow Holdings, transitioning into the role of non-executive Chairman. He had handed the daily operations over to Arthur Sterling and a trusted management committee, retaining his controlling shares while freeing his time completely.
He had bought the two hundred acres of land surrounding Elena's small farmhouse in Vermont, ensuring that no developer, no press, and no unwanted visitor could ever disturb their peace.
The kitchen door flew open.
Noah and Leo came spilling out onto the porch, wearing matching yellow raincoat boots despite the clear sky, shouting with laughter as Jax chased them across the lawn.
"Daddy! Look! We found a frog by the pond!" Noah yelled, holding up a small green plastic bucket.
"Bring it here, buddy!" Tobias called back, kneeling on the grass as both boys collided with him, throwing their small arms around his neck, knocking him backward onto the soft green lawn.
May you like
Tobias laughed—a deep, booming, genuine sound that echoed through the quiet valley—as he wrestled playfully with his sons on the grass, Jax barking joyfully beside them.
Elena stepped out onto the porch, holding a tray of fresh lemonade. She stood near the wooden railing, watching her family, her heart fuller than it had ever been in her life.
