Chapter 12 - HEALING AT THE HAMPTONS
A week after the federal arrests, the autumn sunshine warmed the private beachfront property of Julian’s estate in Montauk.
Little Lily ran happily across the golden sand, her hand neatly bandaged in fresh white medical gauze.
Mrs. Gable sat comfortably in a wooden beach chair, watching the child play with a brightly colored plastic bucket.
Julian walked down the wooden steps from the beach house, carrying two warm cups of hot chocolate.
He handed one cup to Mrs. Gable before taking a seat beside her on the sun-bleached deck.
"The prosecutors offered Victoria a plea deal today," Julian shared, staring out at the crashing Atlantic waves.
"Did she take it?" Mrs. Gable asked, her grey eyes reflecting deep concern.
"She refused," Julian replied. "She insists on going to trial because she believes Marcus Cole's lawyers can beat the federal charges."
"Pride always precedes the fall, Mr. Sterling," the nanny observed wisely, taking a small sip of her beverage.
Lily came running up the sand dunes, holding up a polished sea shell for her father to inspect.
"Look Daddy! It shines just like the flag in our hallway!" Lily cheered, her smile radiant and completely free of fear.
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Julian held his daughter close, knowing the long road to full emotional recovery was only just beginning.
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