Chapter 3 - The Sanctuary at the EstateBy 9:00 AM, a fleet of dark armored vehicles pulled up to the grand gates of the Baron Estate in Chestnut Hill.
Adeline and Evan sat in the plush leather interior of Elias's private car, staring in speech-bound shock as the massive iron gates swung open, revealing manicured lawns, stone fountains, and a grand limestone mansion.
Inside, the domestic staff stood in a neat line near the grand foyer, looking astonished as their dark, severe master personally carried the small, battered duffel bags belonging to the quiet cleaning girl.
"Prepare the east wing suites," Elias instructed the head housekeeper. "Assign Dr. Bennett to examine Evan's wrist immediately. I want the finest pediatric surgeons in Boston in this house within the hour."
"Yes, Don Elias," the housekeeper replied instantly, bowing her head.
Elias guided Adeline into the sunlit conservatory, where fresh pastries, fruit, and hot coffee had been set out on a marble table. He pulled out a chair for her, waiting until she sat down before taking the seat opposite her.
"Your leg," Elias said, his gray eyes scanning her with intense focus. "How did it happen?"
Adeline looked down at her simple skirt. "A car hit my bicycle two years ago while I was riding home from my second job. I couldn't afford the physical therapy or the corrective surgery, so the bone set incorrectly."
Elias's jaw tightened, his knuckles turning white against the marble table. "Dr. Bennett will examine your leg as well. If we need to bring specialists from Johns Hopkins or Europe, it will be done."
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"Elias..." Adeline whispered, using his first name for the first time, her hazel eyes searching his carved features. "Why are you doing all of this? You don't owe us your entire life."
"Daniel gave me his entire life, Adeline," Elias replied softly, reaching across the table to gently, reverently lay his broad hand over hers. "I am just trying to give a fraction of it back."
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