The penthouse elevator chimed softly as it reached the top floor of Avalon's most exclusive residential tower, its doors opening to reveal my family standing together for the first time in months. I felt a familiar warmth spread through my chest as I watched their faces light up with a mixture of awe and excitement.
"Daddy!" Stella called out, breaking away from my parents to rush into my arms.
"Hello, sweetheart," I said, lifting her easily while appreciating the simple pleasure of unhurried time with the people I loved most. "Ready to see our new home?"
Behind her, my parents approached with the kind of proud smiles that made all the political maneuvering and strategic planning worthwhile. Alice stepped forward first, her protective instincts evident in the way she studied my face for signs of stress or injury.
