Chapter 15
Elena moved back into her old apartment overlooking the harbor.
Not my estate.
Not Micah’s place full-time.
Her own.
That surprised some family members.
They expected dramatic reunion.
Families like ours love claiming recovered people immediately.
Elena refused.
“I spent two years without doors I controlled.”
Fair.
She chose her locks.
Her staff.
Her schedule.
Micah split time between her apartment and the Rossi estate.
His choice.
Some nights with her.
Some with friends after training.
Normal.
Awkward.
Good.
They did not instantly become mother and son exactly as before.
There was no before to return to.
Micah had grown.
Elena had changed.
They built something new.
One evening Elena asked me:
“Do you feel guilty?”
“Yes.”
“For what?”
I thought.
“Not seeing Silas clearly.”
“That’s his guilt.”
“Fine.”
I tried again.
“For building a family where people thought questioning orders was dangerous.”
She nodded.
“Better.”
I hated when she was right.
Frequent problem.
“What are you doing about it?”
“Changing it.”
“Good.”
No absolution.
Just accountability.
I respected that.
Then she asked:
“Do you still think Micah should lead someday?”
I looked toward the harbor.
“I think Micah should decide what Micah becomes.”
May you like
She smiled.
“Finally.”
