Outside, rain poured down in sheets.
Instead of calling for a cab, she pulled an old phone from her bag—a phone she hadn’t touched in five years—and dialed a number she knew by heart.
“Vance Residence,” a deep voice answered.
“Hi, Grandpa,” Eleanor said softly. For the first time, her voice trembled. “You were right… about everything. I’m ready to come home.”
She paused before adding quietly,
“And Grandpa… you’re going to be a great-grandfather.”
On the other end of the line, there was silence—followed by the sound of a chair scraping back.
“I’ll send the car immediately, Eleanor,” Magnus Vance said. His voice carried quiet thunder. “And whoever made you cry in the rain… better pray I never meet them.”
PART 2: THE ROAD BACK
For three months, Eleanor disappeared completely.
To Julian, it barely registered. His life had become a whirlwind of attention and praise. With Isabella Ricci on his arm, he attended premieres and business galas while cameras flashed nonstop. AeroTech was preparing to unveil its most ambitious project yet: SkyLink, a futuristic bridge connecting two financial districts using an advanced ultra-light steel alloy.
Julian felt unstoppable.
