Chapter 8 - Returning Inside The Upscale American Restaurant Together
Arthur stood up from the booth, offering his arm to Elena to help her navigate the polished wooden floor toward the exit.
The remaining restaurant patrons watched them in hushed awe, whispering behind napkins as the grandfather, daughter, and granddaughter united.
The restaurant manager rushed over anxiously, holding a leather folder containing the unbilled dinner check.
“Mr. Sterling, please, your meal is entirely on the house tonight... condolences and welcome back to your family,” the manager offered politely.
“Keep the change, and thank your kitchen staff for keeping the dining room warm during a very cold storm,” Arthur replied smoothly.
He handed the manager a hundred-dollar bill, walking past the gleaming American flag by the entrance with his head held high.
Officer Miller escorted them out to Arthur’s waiting armored Maybach idling curbside in the pouring rain.
The driver jumped out immediately with a large black umbrella, holding it over Elena and Lily as they climbed into the luxurious interior.
Arthur slid into the backseat beside them, taking one last look back at the restaurant where his life had just changed forever.
“Take us to the primary estate downtown, James... and don't stop for anyone at the main gates,” Arthur instructed the driver.
“Yes, Mr. Sterling, right away,” James acknowledged, pulling the heavy vehicle smoothly out into the rain-slicked avenue.
Elena leaned her head back against the soft leather headrest, letting out a long sigh of profound relief for the first time in years.
“We’re really going home, Mommy?” Lily asked sleepily, rubbing her tired eyes in the dim cabin light.
“Yes, sweetheart... we’re finally going home to a real house with a big garden,” Elena whispered, smiling through her tears.
May you like
Arthur reached across the console, holding his daughter's hand tightly as the city lights blurred past their rain-streaked windows.
***
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