Starting Without the Mansion
Chapter 15 - Starting Without the Mansion
Daniel and Madison didn't reunite immediately.
They started with coffee.
Then dinner.
Then difficult conversations.
They discussed money.
Parents.
Ambition.
Resentment.
They talked about the wedding they never had.
Madison admitted something painful.
She had known Daniel felt insecure about his father.
Sometimes she used it.
Whenever Daniel questioned her family's spending, she compared him to Thomas.
"Your father would understand."
Daniel admitted he used the Whitmore name to feel superior.
They had both learned manipulation from people they claimed to resent.
It took months to rebuild trust.
Meanwhile, Victoria faced criminal charges related to the fraudulent transfer.
She accepted a plea agreement.
Community service.
Restitution.
Probation.
Charles received a prison sentence.
Richard filed for divorce.
For the first time in decades, Victoria had no one to control.
Eleanor heard updates through Madison.
She didn't celebrate Victoria's suffering.
But she didn't rescue her either.
Consequences were not cruelty.
One evening Daniel brought Madison to Eleanor's cottage.
They cooked dinner together.
No servants.
No formal table.
No expensive wine.
After dessert, Daniel cleared his throat.
"We have something to tell you."
Eleanor raised an eyebrow.
Madison smiled.
"We're getting married."
Eleanor's heart tightened.
Then Daniel added quickly:
"At the courthouse."
Eleanor laughed.
Madison laughed too.
Then Eleanor asked the only question that mattered.
"Are you happy?"
Daniel looked at Madison.
May you like
This time, his answer came without hesitation.
"Yes."
