Chapter 7: Severing Ties
Valerie returned to her father's sprawling estate with a single purpose: to pack. She pulled her duffel bags from the closet, systematically folding her civilian clothes and military gear.
Caroline hovered in the doorway, her arms crossed defensively. "Richard is furious, you know," she muttered, though her voice lacked its usual venom. "He says you humiliated the family."
Valerie didn't pause her packing. "No, Caroline. He humiliated himself. You just helped him do it."
Caroline shifted uncomfortably. "I was just trying to show them... you were hiding."
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Valerie zipped her heavy canvas bag shut and finally turned to face her stepsister. Her eyes were clear and devoid of anger. "You did me a favor, Caroline. You showed me exactly who you are, and exactly who I'm not. I don't have to hide anymore."
Shouldering her bag, Valerie walked past Caroline, down the marble stairs, and out the front door. She didn't look back as she drove through the estate gates, finally heading toward a home she would build on her own terms.
