“Apparently it’s just a pile of useless papers.”
Mila stepped forward and reached for it.
I moved the folder away before she could touch it.
“Mila.”
She froze.
“This belongs to me.”
Her face tightened.
“You have no right to take company documents.”
“You have no right to touch my personal property.”
For the first time, hearing her name without the warmth of “sister” seemed to unsettle her.
Eleanor waved dismissively.
“Let her take her little papers.”
She smiled.
“It’s probably some pathetic diary filled with complaints about this family.”
I closed my suitcase.
“You’re half right.”
Eleanor raised an eyebrow.
“I am taking my memories with me.”
I picked up the folder.
“They just happen to be very well documented.”
Julian finally stepped forward from the living room.
“Leah, please.”
His voice was softer now.
“Does this really have to become so hostile?”
I looked at the man I had once loved.
Strangely, I felt almost nothing.
“Julian, from now on, I think Miss Sutton would be more appropriate.”
His expression changed.
I continued.
“We wouldn’t want anyone getting the wrong idea about how close we still are.”
The color faded slightly from his face.
Eleanor’s jaw tightened.
“Once you leave this house, do not imagine that you can come back asking for help.”
Before I could answer, the low sound of a car engine rolled through the driveway.
Everyone turned toward the front windows.
A sleek black sedan stopped outside.
A driver wearing a tailored suit stepped into the rain with a large umbrella.
When I opened the door, he nodded politely.
“Miss Sutton, Mr. Arthur Vance sent the car for you.”
The entire foyer went quiet.
Arthur Vance was a former university professor, a respected investor, and a ten-percent stakeholder in Vanguard Architects.
More importantly, he was one of the few people Eleanor Rhodes never dismissed.
Mila stared at me.
“Arthur Vance sent a private car for you?”
Eleanor recovered first.
She gave a cold laugh.
“So this is your grand exit? A luxury car to make everyone think you’re important?”
I ignored her.
I lifted my bag, tucked the folder against my chest, and stepped into the rain.
The brick walkway reflected the golden lights of the mansion behind me.
At the top of the steps, I stopped and looked back.
“Don’t worry, Eleanor.”
She watched me carefully.
“I won’t be coming back to ask you for a place to stay.”
