Chapter 7 - SHIFTING DYNAMICS
Months turned into a year. The scandal of the century faded into yesterday's news. Dominic and Camille were both serving lengthy sentences in federal prison, their names scrubbed from Adrian's life entirely.
But Ashwood Manor was no longer quiet.
Adrian had officially promoted Isabel from housekeeper to estate manager, doubling her salary and moving her and Mia into the newly renovated south wing of the manor. He told his board it was a 'security measure' to keep his most trusted confidants close. He told himself it was because he simply couldn't stand the thought of coming home to an empty house anymore.
One Saturday afternoon, Adrian was in the garden, sitting on the grass in a pair of casual jeans and a t-shirt—a rare sight for the billionaire. He was intensely focused on building a massive Lego castle with Mia.
"The dragon goes here," Mia instructed, pointing a sticky finger at the tower.
"Are you sure?" Adrian asked, holding the plastic dragon. "I feel like he should guard the drawbridge."
"Dragons like high places, Adrian," Mia said with the supreme authority only a four-year-old could muster.
"She has a point," Isabel laughed, walking over with a tray of lemonade. She sat down on the grass next to them, handing Adrian a glass.
Adrian took the glass, their fingers brushing slightly. A jolt of electricity shot up his arm, making his breath hitch. He looked at Isabel. The afternoon sun was catching her dark hair, illuminating the gentle curve of her smile. She wasn't just beautiful; she was genuine. She was the woman who had watched him at his lowest, who had guarded his home, who had raised the bravest little girl he knew.
"You know," Adrian said softly, setting the glass down. "I never really thanked you properly."
Isabel looked down, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "You gave us a home, Adrian. You gave Mia a future. You've thanked us enough."
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"No," Adrian insisted, shifting closer to her. "My mother used to tell me that a man's greatest treasure is the person who stays when there's nothing left to take. When the wedding fell apart, when my life was a joke on national television... you stayed."
Isabel met his eyes. "I will always stay, Adrian."
