Chapter 6 - A New Dawn at the Estate
Back at the mansion, the atmosphere was a million miles away from the cold corporate world of press conferences and legal battles.
The west wing had truly come alive. Laughter echoed down the high-ceilinged corridors as Lucas—who had barely spoken a word when I first met him in the basement—discovered the sprawling indoor arcade room that Victor had had custom-installed overnight. The twins, Emma and Ava, were busy trying on matching designer dresses delivered by private couriers, though they still insisted on holding hands everywhere they went.
I sat at the mahogany dining table in the private family kitchen, working on my homework. Ever since the revelation, Victor had enrolled all of us in the city’s most prestigious private academy, complete with private tutors to help me catch up on months of missed schooling.
"Penny for your thoughts," a deep, familiar voice broke my concentration.
I looked up to see Victor walking into the kitchen, wearing a casual navy sweater instead of his usual three-piece suit. He carried a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies fresh from Mrs. Gable’s oven.
"Just realizing how quiet it is compared to the basement," I smiled, taking a cookie from the plate.
Victor pulled out the chair opposite me and sat down, resting his chin on his hand. "Do you miss it?"
I paused, chewing slowly. "Sometimes. Not the cold, or the fear of running out of food. But... I miss feeling like I was necessary. Here, you have chefs, security, tutors, housekeepers. Sometimes I feel like I don't quite know where I fit in."
Victor’s expression turned serious. He reached across the table, taking my small hand in his large, warm grip.
"Olivia, listen to me," he said, locking his hazel eyes onto mine. "You are never unnecessary in this house. You kept my son alive. You kept these children safe when the world abandoned them. You are the heartbeat of this family. Without you, none of us would be sitting here right now."
A warm flush rose to my cheeks, and I felt a sudden tightness in my chest that had nothing to do with sadness and everything to do with belonging.
"Thank you, Dad," I whispered.
It was the first time I had ever called him that out loud.
May you like
Victor froze for a fraction of a second, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Then, a brilliant, genuine smile broke across his face—a smile that completely erased the cold, ruthless billionaire the world thought they knew. He reached across the table and pulled me into a fierce, protective hug.
"You're very welcome, sweetheart," he murmured against my hair. "Welcome home."
