Chapter 11 - Serena Built Something of Her Own
Serena could have retired forever.
Instead, she opened a community center.
“Why?” Cade asked.
“Because when I needed help, I didn’t know where to go.”
The center provided emergency food, childcare, employment assistance, legal referrals, and temporary housing.
She called it Caroline House.
Cade offered funding.
Serena accepted.
With conditions.
“No naming rights.”
“Fine.”
“No giant donor plaque.”
“Fine.”
“No telling me what furniture to buy.”
“That seems excessive.”
She glared.
“Fine.”
Lena volunteered after school.
Mara ate snacks intended for clients.
“Community participation,” she called it.
Rose supplied baked goods.
Claire offered legal workshops.
Julian handled security.
Cade watched it grow.
One afternoon, Serena stood beside him.
“This feels more like Mom’s company than Mercer Development ever did.”
Cade understood.
Their mother believed ownership should protect people.
Their father believed ownership should control them.
Serena had chosen Caroline.
So had Cade.
Ethan’s first year in prison passed.
Then second.
He completed counseling.
Helped investigators.
Taught computer skills to inmates.
Serena visited twice.
Lena began forgiving him.
Mara had already.
Cade remained suspicious.
Ethan accepted that.
“I deserve it.”
“Yes.”
“Could you pretend to be less happy?”
“No.”
May you like
They almost became friends again.
Almost.
