Chapter 6 - The Getaway
The afternoon sun was blinding after the dim, oppressive atmosphere of the ballroom.
Chloe paused at the top of the grand stone steps.
A sleek black town car sat idling at the bottom of the staircase.
Its tinted windows reflected the manicured gardens of the country club.
The official emerged from the heavy oak doors behind her.
His footsteps were soft and measured on the stone.
"Your car is ready, Miss Mason," he said quietly.
"Thank you, Mr. Sterling," Chloe replied without looking back.
She descended the stairs, the heavy lace of her dress sweeping the stone.
Mr. Sterling opened the rear door for her with a white-gloved hand.
Chloe slid into the cool, leather interior.
The scent of fresh rain and expensive polish filled the cabin.
Mr. Sterling closed the door with a solid, comforting thud.
He walked around to the passenger seat and slipped inside.
The driver pulled smoothly away from the curb before Liam or Eleanor could follow.
Chloe watched the grand clubhouse shrink in the rearview mirror.
She felt a strange hollow sensation in her chest.
It wasn't grief, but rather the sudden absence of a heavy burden.
For three years, she had endured Eleanor's subtle insults and overt cruelties.
She had tolerated Liam's endless excuses and passive submission.
They had thought she was weak because she was quiet.
They had mistaken her patience for powerlessness.
"Where to, Miss Mason?" the driver asked respectfully.
Chloe leaned back against the headrest and closed her eyes.
"To the city penthouse," Chloe answered softly.
"The one Eleanor thought she was keeping a secret."
Mr. Sterling turned slightly in his seat, a faint smile touching his lips.
"An excellent choice, ma'am."
"The security codes were changed an hour ago, and her personal belongings are being packed."
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Chloe opened her eyes and looked out the window at the passing trees.
The war was over, and the silence of peace was finally beginning.
