Chapter 7 - An Invitation to the Estate
Olivia blinked in surprise.
"Mrs. Eleanor wants to see me?" she repeated, her voice laced with disbelief.
"She insisted on it," Daniel said with a faint smile. "She woke up this morning asking about the brave young woman who saved her life. She wants to thank you properly, outside of a hospital waiting room or a police station."
"I... I don't know what to say," Olivia stammered, glancing down at her casual clothes and then at her cast. "I'm just a housemaid, Captain—Daniel. I shouldn't be visiting a private estate as a guest."
"You are not just a housemaid, Olivia," Daniel corrected gently, his voice carrying a quiet authority that brooked no argument. "You are a hero. And my mother's home is open to anyone who saved her life."
Olivia hesitated, feeling a sudden wave of self-conscious anxiety.
The Vance estate was one of the most exclusive properties in Miami, a sprawling Mediterranean-style mansion surrounded by manicured gardens and high security walls.
She had cleaned luxury properties before, but entering one as a guest of the family was an entirely different world.
"I'm still recovering," Olivia offered weakly, looking for an excuse.
"My car is waiting downstairs," Daniel said smoothly, standing up from the sofa. "And I promise you won't have to lift a finger. My mother's private chef has already prepared a late breakfast."
Seeing that there was no polite way to refuse, Olivia sighed softly and stood up.
"Give me ten minutes to change my shirt and brush my hair," she said.
"Take all the time you need," Daniel replied.
True to his word, twenty minutes later Olivia found herself seated in the leather passenger seat of Daniel’s luxury SUV as it glided smoothly through the wrought-iron security gates of the Vance estate.
The property was breathtaking.
Towering palm trees lined the sweeping cobblestone driveway, and the grand entrance of the mansion featured soaring white pillars and cascading fountains.
Daniel parked near the main entrance and walked around to open her door, offering a strong hand to help her out.
"Welcome to the Vance residence," he said quietly as they walked toward the heavy oak double doors.
The doors swung open before they even reached them, pulled back by a senior butler in a crisp black suit.
"Welcome back, Captain. And welcome, Miss Olivia," the butler said respectfully, bowing his head slightly.
"Thank you, Thomas," Daniel replied.
They walked through a grand foyer adorned with crystal chandeliers and priceless oil paintings, moving toward a sunlit solarium overlooking the private back gardens.
Sitting in a comfortable velvet armchair near a large open window was Eleanor.
She looked a little pale, and a delicate silk shawl was draped over her shoulders, but her posture was upright and her silver hair was neatly pinned.
As she saw Olivia enter the room, her eyes lit up.
"Olivia!" Eleanor exclaimed, setting down her teacup and making an effort to stand.
"Mrs. Eleanor, please don't get up!" Olivia hurried forward, her initial anxiety melting away as she saw the genuine warmth in the elderly woman's face.
Eleanor reached out, taking Olivia's uninjured right hand in both of hers.
She pulled the younger woman close, pressing her cheek against Olivia's shoulder.
"Thank you," Eleanor whispered, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. "Thank you for holding on. If you had let go..."
"I wouldn't have let go," Olivia said softly, squeezing Eleanor's hands gently. "I'm just so glad you're safe."
May you like
Daniel stood nearby, watching the exchange with a quiet, solemn expression in his dark eyes.
For the first time since his return from overseas, the heavy weight on his shoulders seemed to lift just a fraction.
