Chapter 9 - The Return of the Heir
Raymond reached the bottom of the steps, stopping in front of Elena.
The widow stood trembling, tears streaming down her cheeks—not of fear, but of profound, overwhelming relief. For the first time in six months, the heavy, suffocating weight of isolation and fear lifted from her shoulders.
Raymond reached out his large, warm hand, resting it gently on four-year-old Leo's back as the little boy slowly woke up, rubbing his brown eyes against the bright afternoon sunlight.
"Grandpa...?" Leo murmured sleepily, recognizing the silver-haired man standing over him.
A soft, warm smile broke through Raymond’s stern face—the first real smile he had felt since his son's passing.
"Hey, big guy," Raymond whispered softly, leaning down to kiss his grandson's forehead. "Welcome home."
Leo smiled weakly, reaching out his small arms to wrap around Raymond’s neck. Raymond lifted the four-year-old boy effortlessly into his broad chest, holding his grandson close as if holding a piece of Liam himself.
Elena wiped her cheeks, looking up at her father-in-law. "Raymond... I don't know what to say... I thought you hated me. I thought you wanted us gone."
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"Look at me, Elena," Raymond said firmly, taking her hand in his own. "You are Liam’s wife. You are the mother of my grandson. This is your home. Everything Liam owned, everything I own, belongs to you and Leo. No one will ever make you feel small again."
David Vance walked over, picking up two of the worn suitcases from the trunk of the car. "I'll have the staff move these up to the main master suite right away, Mrs. Mercer."
