Chapter 6 - Secrets Buried Within Estate Walls
Back inside the sprawling estate, the heavy oak doors slammed shut, sealing off the cold night air and the retreating SUV.
Eleanor walked back to her sofa, her movements stiff as she motioned for the remaining family members to sit down.
“None of you are to speak of what happened tonight to outsiders,” Eleanor commanded, her voice dropping into a dangerous register.
The adult relatives nodded obediently, too terrified of losing their monthly allowances to ever cross the estate matriarch.
Only the young cousin remained standing, wiping his damp eyes with the sleeve of his expensive wool sweater.
“Grandma... was I wrong to hit her?” the boy asked, his voice cracking with genuine childish confusion and remorse.
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Eleanor looked at him with absolute coldness, refusing to offer any comfort or reassurance for his troubled soul.
“You were doing what was necessary to teach her respect for her elders,” Eleanor lied smoothly without a shred of guilt.
