Chapter 87: Selfishness and selflessness

"A godfather provides a foundation," Clancy corrected firmly, stepping closer and placing a hand on his brother’s shoulder. "For years, I used my wealth as a weapon or a shield.

This is the first time in my life that I am using it to actually protect someone I care about. Consider it a promise to my niece, Chloe. And a promise to you that I am staying present." Clancy said.

Julian swallowed the lump in his throat, nodding slowly as he carefully folded the document back into its envelope. "Thank you. Truly, Clancy. She is lucky to have you." Julian said.

The flight coordinator stepped into the lounge, clearing her throat politely. "Mr. Avelino, the captain indicates that your departure window is open. We are ready when you are." she said.

"Thank you, I will be right out," Clancy said. He turned back to Julian and then signed the papers Julian had given him earlier and handed them over to him.

"Take care of your family. And tell your wife I will send the official trust management contacts for Chloe to her by tomorrow morning." he said as he handed him the papers.

"Safe flight, brother," Julian said, watching as Clancy picked up his briefcase and walked toward the tarmac doors. "Do not be a stranger." he said as he put the certificates back in the manila envelope.

Clancy turned around, "we are family, Julian. And remember to call me if my niece ever needs me. And if you ever need me too," he said.

Clancy did not look back as he stepped out into the crisp London air, but as he climbed the stairs to his jet, he felt lighter than he had in seven years.

He was finally going back to Spain, not like a fugitive running to rekindle his past and face penance, but as a man who had cleared his debts and was ready to claim his future.

Mary sat at the island in the kitchen, staring at her tablet and swiping through the photos from the christening that day. Upstairs, the nanny was putting her daughter, Chloe down to sleep.

The house was peaceful, but Mary’s mind was still coiled tight. Although days had passed since the explosive argument she had with Julian in their bedroom. The night she had threatened to set the roof on fire after learning about the massive trust funds sent to Selen’s children in Spain.

The bitter taste of her own words still lingered in her throat. She had screamed that Chloe would be the forgotten backup child, forced to beg for crumbs while Clancy’s kids lived like royalty.

She did not know if the sudden reignition of guilt was because she had seen Clancy that morning. He performed his duties and swore to always be there for her. He had shown up for her daughter, and so did the entire Avelino family.

They had come out significantly for her daughter and everyone who was there could tell that their child was deeply loved. Whatever speckle of doubt that was left in her was about to evaporate when the heavy front doors clicked open.

Mary expected the familiar sound of Julian’s brief exchange with the house staff. Instead, a profound, eerie silence filled the hallway.

She walked out to meet him and found her husband standing frozen near the entryway.

He had not even taken off his blazer or called for anyone to help him with the file he carried. He was just staring blankly at the wall. "Julian?" Mary asked. Her mind immediately braced for a crisis. "What is it? Did something happen at the hangar? Is Clancy alright?" she asked him.

Julian slowly turned his head to look at her, slowly, he reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out a small parchment envelope with a broken seal. The gold seal of Clancy’s primary holding firm caught the light, gleaming with an undeniable, heavy authority.

"He is fine," Julian finally managed to say, his voice cracking slightly under some immense, invisible weight. "The plane took off. He is on his way back to Spain." He answered her question.

"Then what on earth is that? And why do you look like you got electrocuted?" Mary asked and stepped closer, her eyes locking onto the gold seal.

After their massive blowout weeks ago regarding the envelopes sent to Spain, her mind immediately jumped to the worst conclusion.

"Did Clancy find out what I said? Is this a legal notice? Did your family finally decide to push us out? Was the celebration today a goodbye gift?" She asked.

"They are not that cruel," he said. Then he thought about it and added, "anymore". "And no, it is not a notice. Why would I tell my family about a private discussion between my wife and I?" he said.

"Let’s go to the living room" he said and they went in. Mary sat on the very edge of the leather armchair with her hands clenched in her lap.

Julian did not sit. He pulled out the single sheet of heavy bond paper, embossed with the glittering gold crest of Clancy’s main firm, and slid it across the desk toward her. "Read it," he said simply.

Mary grabbed the document, her mind immediately switching gears to scan the document. Because of her sharp understanding of asset management and corporate structures, she did not just read the words, she calculated them.

But as her eyes processed the opening paragraphs, the numbers and terms seemed to blur. Her brain flatly rejected the information. She blinked, forcing herself to read the first section three separate times, certain that her exhaustion was causing her to hallucinate.

"A prime commercial estate in the heart of Mayfair?" Mary murmured, her voice dropping into a breathless whisper. She looked up at Julian, searching his face for an expression, then snapped her gaze back down to the page.

"And a five percent non-voting equity share in the Primrose Hotel Group? Julian, what am I looking at? Is this a corporate acquisition draft? Why would Clancy leave this with you?" She asked, baffled.