The late‐summer air on the Thorne estate was heavy with the scent of magnolias and freshly cut grass. Camila Zhou, granted tentative freedom under court order for supervised visits, navigated the winding gravel drive in the backseat of a sleek black sedan. Lucas sat beside her, cast forgotten, goggles perched atop his head. His storm‑grey eyes were wide with anticipation as the wrought‐iron gates swung open.
“Mommy," he whispered, peering through the tinted window. “It's so…big."
Camila smiled tightly. “It is. But remember: you're here to be an honored guest, not on display." She patted his hand. “Stay close to me and Julian, okay?"
Lucas nodded, though his gaze darted to the manicured lawns and marble fountains. Several security SUVs rolled behind them, and uniformed guards strolled un
