Chapter 17
737 Words
The afternoon light in the conservatory was almost too bright, reflecting off the glass walls and making the Hibiscus tea in Roxanne’s glass glow like a ruby. Elena was currently debating the merits of silver-threaded table runners, but her sharp, observant eyes never really left Roxanne’s face.
"You know, Roxanne," Elena said, setting down a swatch of heavy silk. "I’ve done quite a bit of talking. But I realize I know so little about where you come from. Silas is... well, he’s a Vane. He’s more interested in the future than the past. But a mother likes to know the soil her son’s flower grew in."
Roxanne felt a familiar tightening in her chest. This was the part of the "PI" job she hated—the cover story. But with Elena’s hand resting near hers, the usual lies felt heavier than usual.
"There isn't much to tell, Elena," Roxanne said, her voice steady but quiet. "My parents... they passed away a while ago. It’s just been me for a long time."
Elena’s expression softened instantly. The "Matriarch" mask slipped, replaced by a look of genuine, motherly empathy. "Oh, my dear. I’m so sorry. To be so young and without that anchor... that must have been a cold world to walk through."
"It was," Roxanne admitted, and for once, it wasn't a lie. "But I wasn't entirely alone. I have a younger sister. Mia."
At the mention of Mia, Roxanne’s face changed. The sharp, analytical edge she had carried all day at the Base melted away.
"Mia is... she’s everything," Roxanne continued, a small, genuine smile touching her lips. "She’s brilliant, and kind, and she has this way of looking at the world like it hasn't tried to break her yet. Everything I’ve done—every job I’ve taken, every choice I’ve made—it’s always been to make sure she has the life I didn't."
Elena watched her closely, a knowing look in her eyes. "A protector. I recognize that look, Roxanne. I see it in Silas every time he looks at his brothers. It’s a heavy burden to be the one who stands between the world and the people you love."
"It is," Roxanne whispered. "But she’s worth it. She’s at university now, settling into her dorm. She’s going to be someone great, Elena. Someone who doesn't have to look over her shoulder."
Elena reached over and squeezed Roxanne’s hand, her grip warm and solid. "She sounds lovely. And she will be safe. You have the Vanes behind you now, Roxanne. And we take care of our own. Once the party is over and things have... settled, you must bring her here. I’d love to meet the girl who makes my future daughter-in-law’s eyes light up like that."
Roxanne felt a lump form in her throat. The kindness was a weapon she hadn't prepared for. It was easier to fight Killian’s glares or Silas’s coldness than it was to face Elena’s warmth.
"I’d like that," Roxanne said, though a voice in her head—a voice that sounded remarkably like David—warned her that she was getting too close.
Elena patted her hand one last time before standing up. "Well, that’s enough gloom for such a beautiful afternoon. I think we’ve settled on the peonies. Now, I believe Silas has finally stopped shouting at the telephones. Why don't you go find him? I think he’s been pining for you since we stepped through the door, even if he’s too stubborn to admit it."
Roxanne stood up, feeling a strange mix of relief and exhaustion. "Thank you, Elena. For the tea. And for... everything."
"Go on," Elena shooed her away with a smile. "He’s in the West Study. Just follow the sound of someone brooding."
As Roxanne walked away from the conservatory, the scent of the flowers followed her like a ghost. She had survived the interrogation, but she felt more exposed than she had in the server room. Elena saw a protector; Roxanne saw a liar.
She made her way toward the West Study, her heels clicking softly on the marble. She needed to see Silas. Not just for the audit, and not just for the case. She needed to see the one person in this house who knew exactly how fake this whole "Vane" life really was.
- Writer
