b29 /b

    E55 Vouchers

    “This medallion belonged to Sebastian’s grandmother. Not long ago, she gave it to me, and I’ve carried it with me since. Last night, I hung it on my brother’s neck, hoping it might keep

    him safe.”

    “You mean… Mr. Vanderbilt’s grandmother… could be my sister?”

    Aurelius’s eyes flooded as he clutched the pendant, his weathered face trembling with emotion. To find another piece of the same pendant after all these years was no small thing- it felt like fate itself.

    At that moment, Caitlin finally understood. Aurelius’s true family name had to be Gonzales. That was why he had always shown such special care toward Alicia–they came from the same bloodline.

    “Yes. If Sebastian’s grandmother is your sister, then your family name should be Gonzales. She once told me her brother’s nickname was Javier.”

    “Yes… yes, that’s me. I am Javier…”

    The old man’s whole body quivered as he spoke. Caitlin steadied him and helped him sit down. “Do you still remember your sister’s name?”

    “My sister… Valentina Gonzales.”

    Everything matched perfectly.

    “Tell me… how is she now?” Aurelius asked, voice thick with longing.

    Caitlin nodded. “She told me she came to the US with her mother. Somewhere along the way, you were separated from them. In the end, only your mother and sister made it here. Sadly, your mother died not long after. Valentina waster adopted by the Sanders family, and that’s why her name changed.”

    “Ah…” Aurelius let out a long, broken sigh. The memories weighed heavy, griefcing his every word.

    “Aurelius, please don’t be itoo /isad,” Caitlin said gently. “I’ll take you to see Beatrice. You’ll be

    reunited.”

    “Yes… yes…” Aurelius wiped his tears, then turned back to James’s bedside to carry out another round of detoxification.

    When he finished, Caitlin escorted him back downstairs. Zeke and Alicia quickly stood when they saw them return.

    “How is he?” Alicia asked.

    29

    b55 /bvouchers

    “Still the same,” Caitlin answered. “But Aurelius has treated him again. For now, my brother’s condition is stable. I’m taking Aurelius to the Vanderbilt estate. Let’s go.”

    “Of course. We’lle too,” Alicia replied.

    “Mom, would you like toe with us?” Caitlin asked Kelly.

    “I’ll stay here with Harrison. You go ahead,” Kelly said.

    “Alright.”

    They left DanCa Estate together. In the car, Alicia noticed the tears in Aurelius’s eyes. “Master, what’s wrong?”

    “Nothing,” Aurelius muttered, shaking his head.

    Caitlin didn’t exin. For now, it was best not to mention the truth about Aurelius and Beatrice being siblings–especially not in front of Kelly.

    By evening, the Vanderbilt estate was alive with warmth. Raymond, Jasper, and Richard were in the living room with their families. The children yed happily underfoot.

    Sebastian, Vincent, and Hazel returned from work. The children rushed forward, shouting for their father, clinging to their legs. Hazel scooped Patricia up with a kiss, Vincent lifted Arthur, while Sebastian showed off his strength, carrying two sons at once.

    “We want a turn too!”

    Quinton and Kyle tumbled forward, and Vincentughed, setting Arthur down to pick up two chubby boys.

    The living room rang withughter, a scene full of warmth and harmony.

    the

    Then Beatrice came out from the inner rooms. She nced around, asking, “Caitlin isn’t back yet?b” /b

    “She’ll be here soon, Grandma,” Sebastian answered.

    “And Molly? I haven’t seen that girl in days. Where’s she gone?”

    They had already agreed not to tell her the truth. “She’s traveling with Simon, Grandma. They’ll be back in a few days,” Sebastian replied smoothly.

    “Oh… good, good.”

    :

    Beatrice sat down, her eyes glowing with quiet joy as she watched her family.

    29

    E55 vouchers

    Momentster, the butler came in. “Miss Caitlin has returned. She’s brought guests.”

    “Guests? Then bring them in! Make sure the kitchen prepares extra dishes and wine,” Beatrice instructed.

    “Yes, ma’am.”

    Soon, Caitlin appeared at the doorway with Zeke, Alicia, and Aurelius. The family rose to greet them.

    “Ah, Aurelius! Wee,” Sebastian said warmly. “This is Alicia, his most talented student, and you already know Zeke.”

    “You are most wee here,” Beatrice said graciously.

    Aurelius stepped inside, his gaze locking onto the elderly woman in the room. There she was -his sister. Decades had passed, yet the image of her from childhood had never left his mind. Now they stood before each other, both old, both weathered by life.

    His eyes brimmed, and tears slid down his cheeks. Alicia, startled, whispered, “Master, are you… crying?”

    Everyone turned toward him, bewildered by his sudden outburst.

    “Grandma, take a closer look,” Caitlin said gently. “Do you recognize him?”

    Beatrice studied Aurelius’s face. Something about him seemed familiar, but no memory

    came.

    “I don’t know… I feel like I’ve never seen him before. Yet… his face feels strangely familiar.”

    Aurelius pressed his trembling hands to his chest. “It’s me… I’m Javier…”

    The name struck like thunder. Beatrice jolted upright, knocking over her teacup with a sharp crash. She stared at him, hardly daring to breathe.

    “What…. what did you just say your name was?”

    “I said Javier. I am Javier!”

    “I… I can’t believe it… I can’t believe my eyes…” Beatrice shook her head over and over, torn between hope and disbelief.

    The family exchanged curious nces. Jasper asked, “Mother, do you know this gentleman?”

    55 vouchers

    Raymond suddenly understood. “Wait–Mom, could he be the brother you lost as a child?”

    Beatrice’s lips trembled. Caitlin stepped in, “Yes, Grandma. This is your brother–Javier.”

    Beatrice wanted to believe, but doubt clouded her face. “Caitlin, are you just trying tofort me? Did you find an old man to y the part? Where does he live? Does he even know my

    real name?”

    Though elderly, Beatrice was no fool. She knew her granddaughter was clever and kind–but perhaps too clever. She feared this was nothing more than a staged act to ease her heart.

    AD