Chapter 8 - The Safe Haven In Brooklyn
Across the East River, inside Eleanor’s spacious, sunlit brownstone in Brooklyn Heights, a completely different atmosphere prevailed.
The room was filled with warm wooden furniture, stacks of classic literature, and colorful oil paintings on the brick walls.
Leo sat at the kitchen island, enjoying a plate of fresh blueberry pancakes while working on his laptop computer.
Clara sat beside him, going over the preliminary curriculum documents for the Vance Foundation's youth mentorship initiative.
Eleanor poured three cups of fresh coffee, setting them on the counter with a quiet, comforting smile.
"Harrison’s legal team called my office three times this morning, Leo," Eleanor reported softly, signing as she spoke for her nephew.
"He wants you to come home to the Upper East Side by five o'clock today, or he threatens to freeze your trust account."
Leo didn't look scared; he calmly closed his laptop lid and turned to face his aunt and Clara.
Let him freeze it, Leo signed firmly, his hands steady and confident. I don't want his money anymore.
I want to finish my high school diploma at the Lexington School for the Deaf in Queens, he added.
He kept me in mainstream private schools where I was isolated because he was ashamed of my hearing loss.
Clara touched his arm gently, signing back: You are going to thrive at Lexington, Leo. The community there is incredible.
Eleanor nodded in total agreement, placing her hand over Leo's fingers.
May you like
"I’ve already spoken to the principal at Lexington, Leo," Eleanor smiled warmly. "Your enrollment starts on Monday morning."
"And your father doesn't have the legal power to stop it."
