Chapter 2 - A Place at the Table
The first month after Margaret left was peaceful.
Beatrice traveled frequently for company meetings, and Elena concentrated on Leo. She took him to preschool, read stories beside the fireplace, and walked with him through the gardens every afternoon.
Then Beatrice moved into the estate.
She arrived with an assistant, two housekeepers, and enough luggage to fill an entire guest wing.
At dinner that evening, Beatrice sat in Margaret’s chair.
Elena noticed but said nothing.
“The household has been operating without proper supervision,” Beatrice announced. “I’m introducing a few changes.”
She placed a folder beside her plate.
The changes included new meal schedules, restrictions on visitors, revised staff responsibilities, and limits on which rooms Elena could use.
“You’ve locked Adrian’s study,” Elena said.
“The documents inside belong to the family.”
“His books and personal letters are in there.”
“They’ll be cataloged.”
Elena put down her fork.
“Beatrice, I live here.”
Beatrice leaned back.
“You are permitted to live here.”
Leo looked between them, sensing the tension.
Elena forced herself to remain calm.
“Your mother said this was our home.”
“My mother was emotional after Adrian died.”
The words struck Elena like a slap.
That night, Elena called Margaret in Switzerland. There was no answer. She tried again the next morning and reached Margaret’s assistant, who explained that Margaret was recovering and could not handle stressful conversations.
Elena sent an email instead.
It went unanswered.
A week later, Beatrice informed Elena that all communication with Margaret should pass through her office.
“She needs rest,” Beatrice said. “Your constant worries are not helping her recovery.”
Elena began keeping records.
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She photographed the locked doors, saved emails, and wrote down every conversation. She did not know what she would do with the information, but Adrian had once taught her that powerful people often depended on others forgetting exactly what had happened.
Elena intended to remember everything.
