Chapter 221 - The Heiress

Madeline's POV

I was shocked to find the chateau staff standing at the entrance of the main house. Leo introduced me to the estate manager, the housekeeper in charge of the female servants, the female and male servants, chefs, drivers, gardeners, and I couldn't believe my grandfather, who lives in this enormous house, has many servants.

"Are you ready, Miss Brownwood?" Leo asked me as I continued to stare at the massive pillars of the house as we got inside.

"I guess I am, " I responded, and I can't explain how I feel as of the moment, excited to know that at last, I will know my father's family, and I am excited to see my aunt because even before I can see her, I could tell I will love her.

The high ceiling living room looked elegant with a long sofa that made me want to lay down. I realized my grandfather is more affluent than the Divenson family when I realized I was standing on the Pietra Firma Luxtouch tiles, and I could no longer move my legs as I continued to stare.

"Yes, my dear, you are standing on the most expensive tiles in the world. And I hope you will believe me now that your grandfather is the richest man in this country." He said and winked at me.

"It is funny that your grandfather owned the diamond mine here in Neospoli, and your husband also owned a gold mining company, and even though I am not happy how Hunter's father treated you, I felt glad your husband fought for you." He said, and I couldn't believe my father walked away from this household when his father was the richest man, but I am sure he has a valid reason. I wish I could talk with him and ask him about his life, and I smiled when I touched my belly, and I realized my child has a bright future and will never grow up like me.

We climbed in the grand double staircase, and I am just glad I have lived in a mansion for years now, or else I will be stunned to watch the splendor of this mansion. The extensive and unending hallways made me think I would get lost in this house. Finally, we stopped in front of a large massive wooden door, and I could tell the doorknob alone would cost a fortune.

"This is your room, Madeline, and you don't need to worry about clothes, your aunt already prepared everything for you, when the first time she looked at your picture she cried the entire night and wanted to go to Archois and meet you, but your grandfather was adamant and want some proof, so we don't have a choice, but to wait for the DNA test result, and of course, there is no doubt you are Frank's daughter." He declared, and my eyes got so big.

"I know I should apologize, Madeline, for invading your privacy, but we don't have any plans on harming you because you are part of this family; we only want to make sure if you were the heir." He said.

"How did you manage to have my DNA tested?" I asked in disbelief.

"Money can do wonders, Madeline. I hope you know that by now." He said and opened the door for me, and I gaped at the large bedroom before me, from the four-poster bed to the expansive window where I could see the trees, and I could hear the birds chirping.

"You can see the garden below, and I am sure you are tired from your long journey. Please have a rest, Madeline." Leo said, and I smiled at him. 

"Thank you, Leo, for everything. I don't know what will happen to me if Kaye's men bring me to the wicked man who bought me, and I am hoping I am now safe." I said, and he looked at me and smiled.

"Of course, there is nothing to fear, Ms. Kaye and her family has been taken care of, but one day I would want to watch the reaction on her face once she found out that you are the only heir of your grandfather's wealth, and I hope Hunter's father will recover from his illness so he will watch in horror as he realizes the woman he looked down at was the richest woman in Neospoli." He said, and I was stunned.

"What happened to Clark?" I asked.

"He is in the ICU in Astikoz Doctor's Hospital as of the moment," Leo replied, and I got so shocked.

"So, he is not involved with what happened with me; he didn't collaborate with Kaye?" I inquired, and he nodded his head.

"He is fighting for his life now, Madeline, and I am not sure if he will survive," Leo said, and I suddenly felt a pang on my chest. Even if he doesn't treat me fairly, I don't want him to die since he was the father of Lily. I am sure Lily will be devastated that Clark will die. Even if he has been a wicked father to Hunter, I know my husband still cares about him because Clark was the only father Hunter knew. I hope he will be given another chance to live, so he will learn I am my grandpa's heir, so Clark Divenson will finally accept me as his son's wife.

"Your grandfather is wealthier than those people who mistreated you." He said, and until now, I am still in disbelief, and I don't know when I will accept that what is happening around me now is all real.

"And I am sorry that you have to undergo hardships in life growing up, but I hope you will let go of the past and forgive your grandfather." He said, and I didn't know how to answer him.

"I should take my leave now, Madeline. Take a nap, and I will send someone to fetch you when dinner is ready." He said and walked out of my room after I mumbled my thanks.

I walked near the window, and the breathtaking view made me smile. It made me feel relaxed, and even if I found it so hard to process, I could tell I was having the best time of my life; knowing I am now safe from danger and knowing I am an heiress made me half-laughed. Never in my wildest dream did I think I was an heiress, and now it doesn't matter to me. Still, for my child, I need to embrace who I am so that society will treat and accept my child with respect, but I will make sure my child will value the most important things in life, especially love and relationship.

I fell asleep the moment my body hit the plush mattress of the king-sized bed. And I dreamed about my husband, and I woke up when I heard a soft voice calling my name, waking me up from my slumber, and when I opened my eyes, I saw a beautiful middle-aged woman smiling at me.

"I'm sorry, my dear. I know you're sleeping soundly, but it is time for dinner, and I couldn't wait to see you. I am Francine, your aunt." She said, and even if I felt disoriented because I just woke up, I could tell I was starting at the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

"Hello, aunt Francine, I am sorry if you see me like this," I replied as I got up from the bed and fixed myself.

"You don't need to apologize, my dear, because you still look like an angel even if you just got up from your sleep, and I realize now that your picture does not do you justice because you look more beautiful in person, my dear niece." She said, and her words made me blush, and she continued to stare at my face that made me feel so shy, and I was right; I knew I would like her right away. My instinct was telling me that I could trust her.

"Are you now ready? Dinner is ready, Madeline." She said, and I nodded my head.

"I am sorry if it took us so long to take you here in this house. I have been dying to meet you, Madeline. But father still hated your dad for running away from us, but it wasn't your fault. So, I want to warn you to brace yourself, the father may look so strict, but beneath his authoritarian attitude, I am sure he has a soft heart." My aunt said as she came closer to me.

Her beautiful knee-length dress that hugged her body in the right places made her look younger. I remember when I first arrived in the Divenson mansion when Cal asked me to choose the dress from the closet in my room, and it felt like I was back on that day as I gazed at the expensive dresses in front of me.

"I hope you will like the dresses that I chose for you, Madeline. I am sorry if I didn't wait for you, and ask what your preference are in terms of clothes. But I got carried away the moment I learned that Father wanted to see you at last after a long time." My aunt said.

"Yes, of course, these dresses are adorable and expensive, and I don't know what to choose." I declared as I got so confused, and I wished Gina was here with me, and I couldn't wait to talk with her as well.

"May I do the honor of choosing your dress, Madeline?" She asked, and I smiled at my aunt.

"It would be great; thank you, aunt Francine," I said, and she looked at me in the eyes.

"Would it be so hard for you if you would call me, mom, Madeline? I know I am not blessed with a child, and seeing you now made me realize how life could be so cruel to us sometimes. Your father abandoned you while I was trying all my best to conceive." Aunt Francine said, and I could feel the sadness in her voice.

"I am happy with my relationship with my husband because he never made me feel I am useless, and for that, I am so grateful, and all I want is to have someone call me, mom. And I want it to be you, Madeline, because you are my niece, and we share the same blood in our veins." She added, and I felt so touched by my aunt's words that I came closer to her, and I embraced her.. She may be a stranger to me, but I can feel it in my heart that she is my aunt, and I want to take this opportunity to experience how to feel to be a daughter once again.