Chapter 12: The Devil at the Door
At Ravenshire Manor,
The mansion carried the elegance of old money, grand yet never trying too hard to impress. Surrounded by tall trees that glowed in the soft hues of spring, the mansion was a symbol of wealth passed down through generations.
Aveline drove her car through the long, circular driveway, passing perfectly trimmed hedges. The gardens were carefully maintained, with classic fountains and shaped bushes adding to their charm.
Aveline stopped her car at the staircases that led to the entrance. She took a deep breath to relax. After dropping Scarlett, she had debated far too long on whether to come here or return to Sterling Villa.
Her gut screamed at her to retreat, to go back before she stirred waters she wasn't ready to swim in. But she couldn't afford to waste time. She had to set things in motion to gain control over her life.
For that, she needed to enter the Laurent Industries without raising suspicions.
Steeling herself, Aveline stepped out of the car. The sight of the mansion brought a flicker of warmth. This had been home until she left for the Ivy League. Now her parents resided in the city, but her grandmother, Celese Laurent, remained, unwilling to part with the home and its memories.
Aveline's gaze softened when she spotted her grandmother standing at the grand doors, her presence regal as ever.
Celeste Laurent was in her eighties, yet she had managed to look like she was in her sixties.
"Grandma..." Aveline sprinted to her grandmother.
Laughter and full warmth greeted Aveline as Celeste opened her arms, embracing her tightly.