Chapter 5 - The Master's House
An hour later, a black luxury sedan pulled through the iron gates of the sprawling Sterling Estate on the outskirts of the city. Rain lashed against the tinted windows, but inside the heated vehicle, the air was warm and silent.
Edward sat in the back seat, his arm wrapped firmly around the boy, who was wrapped in a thick, wool blanket provided by the chauffeur. The boy’s name was Leo. He had fallen into a state of quiet exhaustion, his small fingers clutching a warm cup of cocoa as he stared out at the passing gardens of his late father’s sworn enemy.
The car glided to a stop beneath the grand portico. Edward helped Leo out of the vehicle and guided him through the heavy oak front doors into a grand foyer illuminated by soft, golden light.
"Master Edward," the head housekeeper, Mrs. Gable, said, hurrying down the marble staircase with a stack of fresh towels. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of the dirty, shivering child standing beside her employer. "Good heavens... who is this?"
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"This is Leo Vance," Edward said, his tone leaving no room for question or hesitation. "He is Daniel’s son. Prepare the master guest suite immediately. Call Dr. Henderson to check him for hypothermia, and have the kitchen prepare a full meal."
Mrs. Gable’s breath caught in her throat. She had worked for Edward for thirty years; she remembered Daniel Vance. She knew the dark shadow that had hung over this house ever since Daniel disappeared. Without another word, she bowed her head respectfully. "Right away, sir."
