Chapter 5 - The Unbroken Circle
By midnight, the Drummond mansion was filled with a warm, golden light that could be seen from across the frozen expanse of the Back Bay gardens.
In the grand drawing room, a roaring fire crackled in the massive limestone fireplace.
Eleanor lay resting on the soft velvet sofa, wrapped in a hand-knit cashmere blanket, drinking hot broth prepared by Lucia. Her pale cheeks had already regained some color, and her eyes were fixed endlessly on the mahogany cradle sitting right beside her, where baby Christopher lay sleeping peacefully.
Edward sat in the leather armchair nearby, a glass of old scotch resting untouched on the side table.
Across the room, Sophia was curled up in a huge armchair, her eyes heavy with exhaustion, her new boots resting on a plush velvet footstool. She was holding a golden pocket watch that Edward had given her from his desk—a watch that had belonged to the Drummond family for three generations.
Arthur Vance sat at the small writing desk, finalizing the legal documents under the light of a brass lamp.
“Julian’s confession was signed twenty minutes ago,” Arthur reported softly, closing his leather folder. “He realized his legal team couldn't save him from the kidnapping and attempted murder charges. He gave up his associates at the cryo-bank and the private asylum in exchange for the prosecutor taking the death penalty off the table.”
Edward nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving his sister and his newborn son. “He will spend the rest of his natural life in maximum security.”
“Yes,” Arthur agreed. “And the board of directors has unanimously confirmed your full, lifetime voting control over Drummond Holdings. There will be no more challenges.”
Arthur stood up, picked up his briefcase, and walked toward the drawing room doors. He stopped near Edward’s chair, looking down at his old friend with a rare, warm smile.
“In fifty years of practicing law, Edward,” Arthur said, “I have never seen an empire saved by a homeless child with a garbage bag.”
“She isn't homeless anymore,” Edward stated firmly.
Arthur smiled, nodded, and quietly exited the room.
Edward stood up and walked over to Sophia’s chair. The little girl was fast asleep, the golden pocket watch tucked safely into her sweater pocket.
He gently lifted her in his arms. She felt so light—like a bird made of fine paper and willpower. She stirred slightly, resting her head against Edward’s shoulder.
“Sir?” she murmured sleepily.
“It’s Edward, Sophia,” he whispered, carrying her softly toward the grand staircase. “You don't have to call me sir anymore.”
“Are you going to send me back to the hospital for my grandma?” she asked, her voice trailing off into sleep.
“No,” Edward said, his voice thick with unyielding resolve. “Your grandmother was transferred to the top private wing at Mass General two hours ago. My personal medical team is taking care of her. And when she is better, she will live in the south cottage on this estate.”
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Sophia’s little fingers tightened around his lapel. “Promised?”
“A Drummond never breaks his word,” Edward said, holding her closer as he carried her up the stairs toward her new room. “Now go to sleep, little one. You’re home.”
