NOR'

ckwood tower was blinding. I blinke

ll

rip was firm, her eyes wide with a mixture of shoc

ed in Donavan's office began to crumble. My s

she demanded, her voice sim

lips. "He thinks I'm acting. That i

blush. Then she pulled me into a fierce, tight hug. "Good for you

ozen world. I felt a stinging heat behind my eyes, but

away and gave her a wea

been slowly suffocating me. I didn't go back to the Blackwood manor. Instead, I d

ictorian manor, its white paint and intricate woodwork a gentle contrast to t

before I even reached it. Her face broke into a w

fter years of being "Luna" or "Mrs. Blackwood." It f

led of old books, lemon polish, and the faint, comfort

ng in a large armchair by the hearth, read

ther, Theo

onavan's icy ones, softened with love and a deep, aching sadness. "

took. The dam

pt. I cried for the lost years, for the endless nights of loneliness, for the p

murmuring soothing words. He didn't ask questions. He just let

him everything. Every cold word from Donavan. Every smug smile from Chris

darker and harder with every word. When I finis

e quiet but vibrating with immense powe

that anymore." My voice trembled. "I just... I don't know what

eanor. Don't you ever think that. The Vance Pack may not have the sheer

k. He unlocked a drawer and took out two thing

d them in

g no room for argument. "The keys are for a pentho

in my palm, stunned.

urposed as your independence fund. You are Eleanor Vance, t

one on his desk and dial

. I'm calling about that project my granddaughter, Eleanor

im smile touching his lips. "E

our talent was never meant to be buried in a loveless marriage,

the smooth plastic of the card in my hand. I h

e years, a flicker of ligh

rejected Luna of t

Eleano