Book II - 21

AUDREY

Shortly, Anton joined our conversation. He told us Dad was currently sleeping upstairs, but he would usually come down at dinner when he woke up, so he suggested or even requested that I could stay low from his sight.

“I can’t run forever from him, Anton. Not after what Cecile has done to Mom’s house,” I said firmly.

“City life definitely suits you, Audrey,” Anton commented with a chuckle.

“This has become your home too. I mean, I hope you understand that.”

“Audrey, this is probably your mother’s house, but this is basically where we all grew up,” he pointed.

I heard Chelsea sigh. “If I may, and I hope I’m not getting too involved, how much did your stepmother take for the mortgage?”

“It’s three million, not quite for the value of this mansion. It’s vintage, and it’s been here for seventy years, but Audrey’s grandfather had preserved it, so it’s still pristine. Its value is more than that, but where else can we get three million dollars? I don’t even have a million right now.