Chapter 8 - The Remodeling of Shadows
Three months later.
Spring had arrived in Westchester County. The thirty acres surrounding Hallowmere Manor were alive with blooming cherry blossoms, lush green lawns, and singing birds.
The dark, claustrophobic atmosphere that had hung over the estate for ten years was completely gone.
Heavy construction crews had transformed the west wing.
The charcoal gray steel door was gone. The poured concrete panic room had been completely demolished, replaced by a grand, light-filled conservatory featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls, marble fountains, and rare tropical orchids.
Eva stood in the center of the conservatory, wearing a simple, elegant ivory dress, looking over a set of architectural plans.
Beside her stood Sebastian Crane, looking healthy and vigorous, holding a sleek leather briefcase.
“The legal restructuring of the Bolaro Foundation is complete, Eva,” Sebastian reported cheerfully, handing her a blue folder. “All legitimate assets have been transferred into the public educational trust you designed. Over fifty million dollars will go directly to trade scholarships for working-class families in New York and Boston.”
Eva accepted the folder with a proud, brilliant smile. “And the shipping lines?”
“Completely clean,” Sebastian declared. “Fully unionized, fully audited, and completely free of syndicate influence. Your father’s former union brothers in Boston were appointed to the board of directors yesterday.”
The glass double doors of the conservatory opened.
Roman walked inside, wearing a tailored charcoal three-piece suit, his dark eyes instantly locking onto Eva.
He walked over, wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her gently against his side, pressing a soft kiss against her temple.
“How does the new wing look, Miss Quinn?” Roman asked, looking around the bright, sunlit room.
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“It doesn't look like a vault anymore, Roman,” Eva smiled, resting her hand against his crisp white shirt.
“Good,” Roman whispered into her hair. “Because there are no more secrets in this house.”
