CHAPTER EIGHTY-FIVE
The sunrise bathed the floating dock in pure golden light, exactly as it had at the beginning of this long day. Elena stood at the center of her sisters, the same spot where they had linked hands and spoken the creed with joy only hours earlier.
Now cameras pointed at her from every direction, journalists murmured into microphones, grandchildren watched with wide, confused eyes, and the original frail Victoria leaned on her cane, smiling with calm maternal pride.
Victoria’s voice carried clearly across the valley, warm and inviting for the live broadcast.
“Isn’t that right, my dear? You signed the papers this morning. The world is watching. Tell them the truth.”
Every lens zoomed in on Elena. The sisters stood frozen beside her…Mara’s strong posture rigid, Sienna
