Chapter 6 - The New Life
When Garrison returned to the estate on Blackstone Boulevard later that afternoon, he found the atmosphere transformed.
The loud noise of construction had stopped. The front steps were now replaced by a sweeping, perfectly integrated stone ramp with a brass handrail, blending seamlessly into the Georgian architecture of the house.
Inside, laughter echoed from the library.
Garrison walked down the hallway, stopping at the open double doors of the library.
Scarlet sat in her wheelchair near the large bay window, bathed in the warm golden glow of the afternoon sun. Beside her, Leo sat on a plush ottoman, holding a set of watercolor paints. For the first time in three years, the boy’s face was bright with engagement. He was painting a vibrant blue bird on a sheet of heavy paper while Scarlet offered gentle praise and guidance.
Ruth stood near the doorway, holding a tea tray, a soft smile resting on her face.
When Ruth noticed Garrison, she leaned toward him and whispered, “He’s eaten a full lunch, sir. And he hasn't hidden under his bed once today.”
Garrison felt a strange, unfamiliar tightness in his chest. For three long, agonizing years after his wife’s death, this house had been a dark, silent vault filled with grief and guilt. In less than twenty-four hours, this woman had filled its halls with warmth and life.
He stepped into the room.
Leo looked up, saw his father, and immediately held up his painting to show him the blue bird.
Garrison walked over, kneeling beside his son’s chair. He examined the painting carefully.
“That’s incredible, Leo,” Garrison said softly, his hand resting on the boy’s head. “The color is magnificent.”
Leo beamed, a small, tentative smile appearing on his face—a smile Garrison had feared he would never see again.
Scarlet looked at Garrison, her hazel eyes bright with warmth. “How was your afternoon in the city?”
Garrison met her gaze. “Productive. The Callaway family’s assets have been frozen, and a formal investigation into the theft of your insurance settlement was launched by the state attorney general’s office two hours ago.”
Scarlet froze, her hands dropping onto her lap. “What?”
“Preston and his mother will face criminal charges for grand larceny and fraud,” Garrison explained calmly. “Every cent they took from you will be recovered and placed into a private trust under your exclusive control.”
Scarlet stared at him, overwhelmed by the sheer speed and magnitude of his actions. For fourteen months, she had fought the Callaways through official channels, only to be dismissed, ignored, and humiliated at every turn. In a single morning, Garrison Vance had completely dismantled her tormentors without batting an eye.
“Garrison...” Scarlet whispered, her voice trembling slightly. “Why would you do that for me?”
Garrison stood up, looking down at her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.
“Because people like Vivian Callaway believe they can crush the innocent without consequence,” Garrison said quietly. “And because no one under my roof will ever be treated with disrespect.”
That evening, the three of them ate dinner together in the main dining hall. Leo sat between Garrison and Scarlet, occasionally reaching out to touch Scarlet’s sleeve as if to confirm she was still there.
After dinner, Ruth helped Leo get ready for bed. Scarlet rolled her chair out onto the covered veranda overlooking the snow-covered gardens. The air was crisp and clear, the night sky filled with countless burning stars.
Garrison walked out onto the veranda, holding two heavy crystal glasses of amber whiskey. He handed one to her.
“Thank you,” Scarlet said, taking a small sip. The liquid burned pleasantly down her throat.
“The ramp works well?” Garrison asked, leaning against the stone balustrade beside her chair.
“It’s perfect,” Scarlet replied softly. “Your men did a wonderful job.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, listening to the quiet rustle of the winter wind through the maple trees.
“Garrison,” Scarlet spoke up, looking out at the gardens. “I can’t stay here forever. I need to find an accessible apartment, get my teaching license reinstated, and—”
“Why?” Garrison interrupted smoothly.
Scarlet turned her head to look at him, surprised. “Why? Because I can’t be a burden on you—”
“You are not a burden,” Garrison said, his voice absolute and firm. He turned to face her fully, setting his glass on the ledge. “In twenty-four hours, you have done more for my son than a dozen high-priced doctors managed in three years. You brought life back into this house, Scarlet.”
He stepped closer, kneeling beside her wheelchair so that his gray eyes were level with hers.
“Stay,” Garrison asked, his tone dropping into a low, intimate register. “Not as a guest. Stay here with us. Teach Leo. Manage this house. Be part of this family.”
May you like
Scarlet felt her heart hammer against her ribs. Looking into his sharp, handsome face, she saw no pity, no charity, and no hesitation. She saw a man who respected her strength and valued her presence.
Before she could answer, the heavy iron front gate alarm sounded, its red lights flashing across the snow.
