Chapter 12 - The Demolition of Fear
Six months after the sentencing, heavy construction equipment arrived at Sterling Manor.
Eleanor stood on the lawn, holding Leo’s hand, as a massive crane positioned a wrecking ball over the grand dining room wing of the estate.
"Are you sure you want to tear it down, Eleanor?" Marcus asked, standing beside her with a clipboard. "That wing alone is worth millions."
"Some spaces are too poisoned to save, Marcus," Eleanor replied gently. "I don't want my son growing up in a house built on tears and cruelty."
She looked down at Leo, who wore a yellow hard hat over his dark hair. "Ready, Leo?"
Leo nodded eagerly, his small hand pressing a red button on a remote control device Eleanor had given him.
The wrecking ball swung forward, smashing into the white marble walls of the dining room with a thunderous crash. The crystal chandeliers shattered, the marble pillars collapsed into dust, and the room where Leo had been forced to his knees was reduced to a pile of stone and rubble.
Leo clapped his hands, laughing joyfully as the dust rose into the clear blue sky.
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"It's gone, Mommy!" Leo cheered. "The mean room is gone!"
"Yes, it is, sweetie," Eleanor smiled, pulling him into her arms. "Now we build something new."
