Chapter 22 - AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR
A month of absolute peace passed over the Westchester estate as summer bloomed across the Hudson Valley.
One afternoon, a clean silver sedan pulled up to the security gates of Sterling Manor, requesting entry.
Security called up to the main house, informing Julian that a woman named Claire Sterling was requesting an immediate audience.
Julian felt a wave of shock wash over him; Claire was his younger sister who had joined a overseas medical relief team four years ago.
The silver sedan drove up the winding driveway, and a beautiful thirty-year-old woman stepped out holding a travel duffel bag.
Julian rushed down the front steps, embracing his sister tightly as Mrs. Gable watched warmly from the doorway.
"I came back as soon as I heard about what happened to Lily," Claire said, tears welling in her green eyes.
"She’s safe now, Claire," Julian assured her, leading her into the grand foyer framed by the American flag.
Lily came running down the stairs, staring curiously at the aunt she had only ever seen in framed family photographs.
Claire knelt down on the marble floor, opening her arms wide with genuine warmth and tears of joy.
May you like
"Hi little Lily," Claire whispered gently. "I'm your Aunt Claire, and I brought you something special from overseas."
***
