Chapter 14 - The Sanctuary of the PinesHarrison returned to Oakridge Manor forty-eight hours later.
The estate was peaceful. The warm summer evening air carried the soft scent of blooming jasmine and sea salt from the bay. The sun was setting over Blackwood Bay, casting a brilliant orange and crimson glow across the manicured lawns.
As Harrison walked out onto the rear terrace, he saw Eleanor sitting in a comfortable teak armchair, reading a book while watching little Julian kick a soccer ball across the grass with his golden retriever puppy.
The lingering tension that Harrison had carried all the way to London and back instantly dissolved from his shoulders.
"Daddy!" Julian shouted, spotting his father. He left the soccer ball and came running across the lawn, throwing his small arms around Harrison's waist.
Harrison scooped his son up into his arms, lifting him high with a loud laugh, pressing a kiss to his dark hair. "Hey, pal. Did you keep an eye on your mother while I was gone?"
"Yep!" Julian grinned proudly. "We painted a picture of the lighthouse, and Mr. Aldridge let me look at the grand clock in the foyer!"
"Good boy," Harrison smiled, setting him down. "Go bring the puppy inside; it's almost time for dinner."
Julian scampered off across the grass, calling for the dog.
Harrison walked over to Eleanor, who closed her book and stood up to meet him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning up to kiss him deeply.
"Is it finally over?" Eleanor whispered into his chest, her hands resting against his back. "The London ledgers... the Vance family?"
"It's over," Harrison promised, holding her tight, breathing in the scent of her hair. "The Panama account is dissolved, Julianna Vance signed a full legal renunciation of all claims, and the trust is ninety-nine point nine percent secure for the rest of Julian's life."
May you like
Eleanor pulled back slightly, looking into his eyes with a tender, serene smile. "And what about the remaining point one percent?"
"The remaining point one percent belongs to us," Harrison smiled gently, cupping her cheek. "To living our lives without looking over our shoulders."
Related Stories
