Chapter 12 - A Visitor in the Snow
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"Is this a private construction site, or are you accepting contract bids?" a warm, familiar voice called out from the patio.
Roberto looked up, wiping a stray snowflake from his forehead.
Elena stood on the edge of the stone patio, wrapped in a thick wool coat, holding two steaming mugs of hot chocolate. She smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners with genuine affection.
"Auntie Elena!" Sofía cheered, abandoning her post at the snow-wall and trudging excitedly toward the patio.
"Hello, sweet girl," Elena laughed, handing one mug to Roberto as he walked over, and carefully helping Sofía hold the other. "I see the fortress is coming along nicely."
"We are reinforcing the perimeter against fire dragons," Roberto explained, taking a sip of the rich cocoa.
"Very wise," Elena nodded approvingly.
She looked at Roberto over the rim of her mug, her expression softening into something deeper than friendship. The trial had tested their bond, stretching it to its absolute limits, but they had emerged on the other side stronger, bound by a shared survival.
"I received the final clearance from Marcus this morning," Elena said quietly, stepping closer so only Roberto could hear. "The asset reallocation is complete. The trust funds for the children's charity are fully operational."
Roberto let out a long breath, watching the steam rise from his mug.
"It's really over, isn't it?" he whispered.
"It's over, Roberto," Elena confirmed, placing her hand gently on his arm. "The past is locked away. You can finally just... be."
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Roberto looked at Elena, then at Sofía, who was happily drinking her hot chocolate and explaining the layout of the castle to an imaginary courtier.
"I think I'm starting to get the hang of it," he smiled.
