Chapter 7 - Rebuilding the Foundation
With the Harrington scandal dominating the front pages of every major newspaper in the Northeast, the Mercer estate finally returned to a state of profound, restorative peace. The media circus outside the gates died down within forty-eight hours once the federal indictments against Arthur Harrington became public record, confirming that Dominic had not acted out of malice, but had uncovered massive financial crimes.
Inside the mansion, the heavy atmosphere of anxiety lifted. Emma Collins walked through the halls with a lighter step, often stopping to smile at nine-year-old Noah as he played with his toy trains in the sunroom.
On a bright Tuesday afternoon, Dominic sat on the stone patio behind the East Cottage, reviewing architectural blueprints with Natalie.
"Are you sure about this, Dom?" Natalie asked, tracing a finger over the proposed renovations on the blueprint. "The cottage is already big enough for us."
"It's not big enough for Noah to grow up in," Dominic replied gently, taking a sip of black coffee. "Mother wanted this property to be a permanent sanctuary for you. I'm having the east wing expanded so you have your own studio, and the trust is being re-endowed so you never have to worry about finances again, regardless of what happens to me."
Natalie looked up at her brother, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "You saved us, Dominic. Not just from Brooke... but from feeling like we didn't belong anywhere after Michael died."
"You always belonged here, Nat," Dominic said, squeezing her hand. "This is our home."
Later that evening, Dominic walked the perimeter of the estate alone. The sun was setting over the Newport coastline, painting the sky in deep shades of violet and gold. For the first time in years, the constant vigilance that defined his life felt slightly lighter. He had protected his bloodline. He had purged the rot from his life before it could take root.
As he returned to the main house, Marcus was waiting for him on the grand staircase.
"Boss, the restructuring of the Harrington assets is complete. We acquired their downtown real estate holdings for pennies on the dollar through the holding company," Marcus reported.
"Good," Dominic nodded. "Turn the main Harrington building into a charitable foundation managed by Natalie. Let something good come out of their greed."
"Done," Marcus said, pausing before adding, "There's one more thing. A woman named Claire Vance, from the Newport Historical Preservation Society, called. She wants to discuss restoring Grandma Catherine’s original rose garden on the east lawn."
Dominic raised an eyebrow. "Claire Vance?"
May you like
"Yes. She’s taking over the local preservation board. She’s been trying to reach the estate for weeks, but the messages got lost in the wedding chaos."
Dominic’s lips curved into a faint, genuine smile. "Tell her I’ll meet her in the rose garden tomorrow morning at eight."
