Chapter 4 - The Vanguard Estate
An hour later, a fleet of black SUVs escorted Graham, Toby, June, and Josie through the tall iron gates of the Vanguard Estate in the city's most exclusive neighborhood.
Josie stood in the grand foyer, staring wide-eyed at the sweeping marble staircases, crystal chandeliers, and warm fireplaces.
"Is this a castle?" she asked softly, holding her battered cloth bag close.
"It's just a house, sweetie," Graham said gently, kneeling down beside her. "And for as long as you want, it's your home."
Toby grabbed Josie’s hand excitement. "Come on! I'll show you the toy room! We have a giant train set!"
For the next three weeks, the quiet, somber estate transformed. Josie’s presence brought a gentle peace to the household. Every night when Toby or June had nightmares, Josie would sit on the edge of their beds and sing the bird song, calming them instantly.
Graham found himself coming home early from the office every day just to hear her laugh, eat dinner together, and help her with reading. She was no longer just a passenger from a train—she had become the heart of his family.
However, dark clouds were gathering on the horizon.
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One evening, Arthur, Graham’s chief lawyer, arrived at the estate with a grave expression.
"Graham, we have a problem," Arthur said, opening a thick manila folder in the study. "Richard Vance has filed a formal custody challenge. And he brought in a woman claiming to be Josie's long-lost maternal aunt."
