Chapter 5 - The Road to Healing
Two weeks later.
The quiet, sunlit terrace of the Vance Estate overlooked miles of rolling green hills and autumn forests.
Maya sat on a comfortable outdoor lounge chair, wrapped in a soft white cashmere sweater. Her hands were covered in healing medical salve and soft silk bandages, but the bright, healthy color had returned to her cheeks.
Beside her sat Julian, holding a warm cup of coffee, his tablet resting on his lap. For the past fourteen days, the billionaire who usually worked sixteen-hour days had not stepped foot inside his corporate headquarters once. He had handed total operational control to his board of directors, devoting every single second of his time to taking care of his daughter.
"Dad," Maya spoke softly, looking out at the gardens. "You don't have to stay home today. Mr. Arthur told me you missed three international board meetings."
Julian placed his coffee cup on the glass table, turning to look at her with an expression of profound, tender warmth.
"Maya," Julian said softly, taking her bandaged hand carefully into his own. "There is no meeting, no company, and no amount of money on this earth that is more important than you. I made the biggest mistake of my life by leaving you alone in this house with those monsters. I will spend the rest of my life making sure you know how precious you are to me."
Maya’s eyes filled with soft tears, a genuine, radiant smile spreading across her face for the first time in months. She leaned her head against her father's shoulder, feeling the deep, unwavering safety of his presence.
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"The university called this morning," Maya whispered. "Dean Roberts said my spot in the honors program is preserved, and they've dismissed all those fake academic charges Carter tried to file."
"I know, baby," Julian smiled, kissing the top of her head. "I had a long talk with the university board. In fact, I just funded a new five-million-dollar scholarship in your name for students recovering from hardship."
