Chapter 12 - The House Without ShadowsSix months later, Daniel sold the estate.
The transaction made national business news.
The Vance mansion—once considered one of the most prestigious private properties in Connecticut—was gone.
Daniel refused to keep anything associated with Margaret.
He and Ava bought a smaller home overlooking the ocean.
It had enormous windows.
White walls.
A garden.
And no locked doors.
Rosa moved with them.
Daniel made sure she received enough money to retire comfortably, but Rosa refused.
"I like working for Mrs. Ava."
Ava smiled.
"Then stay."
The new house slowly became alive.
Music returned.
Friends came.
Flowers filled the kitchen.
For the first time, Ava could walk from one room to another without asking permission.
One evening, she stood barefoot on the terrace.
The ocean stretched endlessly before her.
Daniel wrapped his arms around her.
"I never thought we'd get here."
Ava leaned against him.
"Neither did I."
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Then she smiled.
"But we're here."
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