Chapter 56: Twenty-Eight

Scarlett turned twenty-eight in the rose garden of Moretti House.

She had not wanted a grand party. The last birthday celebration had ended with betrayal, Ethan's engagement, and Alexander's arrival like fate wearing a black suit.

This year, she asked for white roses, a small dinner, and no speeches.

Naturally, Luca gave a speech.

'To Scarlett,' he said, raising his glass. 'The only woman terrifying enough to make Alexander behave like a decent human being.'

Alexander looked unimpressed. Everyone else laughed.

Dr. Cross attended too, as did Grace, Marion Blake, Clara Evans, and a few Whitmore employees who had stayed loyal through the storm.

Victoria sent flowers but did not attend. Her card was brief.

I am trying to become someone I can live with. Happy birthday.

Scarlett read it twice, then placed it beside the vase.

After dinner, Alexander found her near the garden fountain.

'You disappeared from your own birthday,' he said.

'I needed a quiet minute.'

He stood beside her, not too close, still honoring the space she had asked for weeks ago.

Scarlett looked up at him. 'You can stand closer now.'

Something softened in his face.

He moved beside her chair.

'Today your grandfather's final document takes effect,' he said.

'Full control of the Whitmore trust.'

'Full control of everything that should have been yours.'

Scarlett breathed in the scent of roses. 'I thought this moment would feel like victory.'

'Does it not?'

'It feels like responsibility.'

Alexander smiled faintly. 'That is usually how real power feels.'

Scarlett looked toward the house, where laughter glowed through the windows.

'I want to create a rehabilitation foundation. Real treatment. Real legal help. For people whose families or systems tried to decide their lives for them.'

'Your mother would like that.'

Tears warmed Scarlett's eyes. 'I hope so.'

Alexander took her hand.

'I have something for you,' he said.

He placed a small velvet box in her palm.

Scarlett's heart stopped.

'Alexander—'

'It is not a proposal.'

She opened the box. Inside was a gold key.

'What is this?'

'Your grandfather's old lakeside estate. I bought it back from the private owner last month. It belongs to you again.'

Scarlett cried then, not because of what had been lost, but because something had finally been returned.