Chapter 7 - THE WOMAN AT THE GARDEN GATE
Three days after Viviana left, a woman arrived at the estate carrying a folder. She introduced herself as Marianne Cole, a former nanny who had worked for the Hollis family before Lara.
“I heard what happened to Grace,” she said.
“Who told you?” Damian asked.
“Viviana. She called me last night.”
Damian's expression hardened. “Why?”
“She wanted me to say Lara had been rough with Grace when I worked here. She offered to pay me.”
“Did you?”
“No. Because it isn't true.”
Marianne opened the folder. Inside were copies of emails she had sent to the former house manager eight months earlier. She had reported that Viviana shouted at Grace, grabbed her arms, and threatened to send her away.
“I left because I couldn't watch it anymore,” Marianne said. “I thought someone would protect the child after I was gone.”
“Why didn't you come to me?”
“I tried. Your assistant told me you were unavailable. Then Viviana called and said I would never work in this city again if I kept making accusations.”
Damian took the emails. “Will you give a statement?”
“Yes.”
Marianne looked toward the window where Grace was drawing with Lara. “Is she all right?”
“She is being cared for.”
“Please don't let them make her feel responsible. She used to apologize every time she cried.”
Damian's jaw tightened. “Thank you for coming.”
After Marianne left, Adrian confirmed that Viviana had contacted two other former employees. Both had refused to support her version of events.
That evening, Grace asked Lara why Marianne had visited.
“She used to look after you,” Lara said.
“Was she nice?”
“Yes.”
“Did she leave because of me?”
Lara knelt beside her. “No. Adults make their own choices. You did not make her leave.”
Grace nodded, but her eyes remained uncertain.
Damian sat down beside them. “Grace, I want you to remember something. If an adult is upset, it is not your job to fix their feelings. You are allowed to be sad, angry, loud, or quiet. You are allowed to ask for help.”
“Even if they say I'm bad?”
“Especially then.”
Grace thought for a moment. “Can I ask for a hug?”
Damian opened his arms. She climbed into his lap.
Lara watched from the other side of the sofa, smiling gently.
May you like
For the first time, Grace did not look toward the doorway to check whether someone might punish her for asking.
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