Chapter 8 - Sanctuary on the Hudson
Two weeks later, Olivia was officially cleared for release.
The sleek black Rolls-Royce carried the family of three away from the bustling streets of Manhattan toward Adrian’s private estate in upstate New York. The mansion sat atop a rolling hill overlooking the Hudson River, enveloped by vibrant forests of maple and oak.
As the tall iron gates swung open, Ethan pressed his face against the cool tinted glass, his dark eyes wide with wonder.
“Is this where we live now, Dad?” Ethan asked timidly.
Adrian turned in his seat, a warm smile gracing his face. “Yes, Ethan. This is your home. From now on, you can draw as many dinosaurs as you want, run as far as you like, and have as many dogs as you can handle. Nobody will ever stop you again.”
The mansion, once an empty monument to a lonely billionaire’s grief, bloomed with warmth. Adrian had personally overseen every detail: Ethan’s room was tailored into an adventurer’s haven, while the master suite was filled with fresh white lilies—Olivia’s favorite flowers.
May you like
That evening, rather than leaving the work to the house staff, Adrian shed his suit jacket, rolled up his shirt sleeves, and set to work in the kitchen preparing a simple dinner. Olivia sat in an armchair in the adjacent living room, watching father and son laugh and mess around over flour and mixing bowls.
This peace was a dream she had once thought impossible. But as the rich aroma of dinner filled the home and Adrian walked over, lifting Ethan onto his shoulders with ease, Olivia knew the nightmare was truly over.
