my shoulders.
Noah climbed down first.
Ethan followed.
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Then Sophia reached for my left hand, while Olivia took my right.
Together, the five of us walked toward the mansion.
Behind us, the helicopter’s rotors gradually slowed.
Ahead, the enormous front doors opened.
Daniel’s mother appeared on the steps.
Margaret Reynolds was the elegant widow of a highly decorated general, a woman accustomed to formal receptions, influential guests, and strict family traditions.
She stood holding a crystal champagne glass.
The moment she saw us, she stopped moving.
Her eyes settled on me.
Then on Noah.
Ethan.
Sophia.
Olivia.
The champagne glass slipped from her fingers and broke against the stone steps.
For several seconds, she seemed unable to speak.
Noah looked up at me.
“Mom, is that our grandma?”
Before I could answer, other guests gathered behind Margaret.
Retired military officers.
Wealthy family friends.
Relatives dressed in expensive holiday
