Chapter 10 - The Gala of the Sun
One year later.
The grand gardens of the Caldwell estate in Lake Forest were bathed in golden June sunlight.
Three hundred guests—the real heart of Chicago, family friends, charity leaders, and trusted allies—were gathered beneath white silk canopies for Clara Caldwell’s first birthday party.
Children were playing on the lawn near the lake, music was floating from a live acoustic band, and the air smelled of summer roses and roasted cedar.
Eleanor stood on the stone terrace, wearing a beautiful yellow linen dress, watching her daughter, who was toddling across the grass with Gabriel holding her tiny hands.
Julian was standing near the lawn bar, laughing with a group of federal judges, while Adrian stood beside Eleanor, holding a glass of sparkling water.
The world had moved on.
Grant Mercer was serving a fourteen-year sentence at a federal correctional facility in Minnesota. Serena Blake had completed her probation and vanished from Chicago social circles entirely.
Mercer Development was ancient history.
In its place, the Caldwell Foundation had opened three community centers, a children’s hospital, and a shelter for women escaping domestic abuse.
“You’re thinking about that night,” Adrian said softly, standing beside her.
Eleanor turned to look at her older brother.
“I was,” she admitted. “I was thinking about how terrified I was when the music stopped.”
Adrian looked out over the lawn, watching Gabriel lift little Clara onto his broad shoulders, making the baby giggle with delight.
“The music didn't stop, Ellie,” Adrian said, turning his deep, steady gaze to her. “It was just changing songs.”
Eleanor smiled, reaching out to take her brother’s arm, leaning her head against his shoulder.
“Thank you for coming through the doors, Adrian.”
May you like
Adrian wrapped his arm around her, kissing the top of her hair.
“Always, little sister,” Adrian whispered into the warm summer breeze. “Whenever you need us, we will always come through the door.”
