CHAPTER 2 — THE WOMAN WHO BOUGHT THE DREAM
The ballroom fell into complete silence.
The venue manager remained bowed before Clara, holding the leather folder with both hands.
"I'm terribly sorry for the disturbance, Madam Mason."
He carefully opened the folder.
Inside was the original deed.
The estate had officially changed ownership six months earlier.
Clara accepted the documents without looking away from Patricia.
"I never wanted anyone to know," she said quietly.
Andrew stared at her.
"You... bought this place?"
Clara nodded.
"After my father passed away."
She slowly turned toward the guests.
"This estate was the last project he ever designed."
Many people looked confused.
Clara continued.
"He spent twenty years restoring these gardens."
"He died before seeing the renovation finished."
Her voice trembled for the first time.
"So I bought the property."
"Not to show wealth."
"But so no one could destroy his life's work."
She looked down at her torn wedding dress.
"And today..."
"My own wedding became the first place where his dream was disrespected."
Patricia scoffed.
"So what?"
"You own a building."
"That doesn't make you part of this family."
Clara smiled sadly.
May you like
"No."
"It simply means you just destroyed property that belongs to me."
