The iron gates opened slowly, silently, revealing the long, lantern-lit driveway stretching toward the mansion.
Patricia leaned forward in the car window the moment the house came into view.
"Oh," she breathed. "Oh wow."
Evelyn felt it too.
Even though she had been here once years ago, briefly and awkwardly, this felt different.
The mansion looked brighter, fuller somehow. Warm light spilled from the tall windows, softening the grandeur she remembered into something almost welcoming.
"It's even bigger than the pictures," Patricia muttered. "I knew the Reid mansion was massive, but this? This is cinematic."
Evelyn smiled, eyes still fixed on the house. "It does feel different," she said quietly. "I don't remember it looking like this."
As the car rolled to a stop, staff stepped forward immediately.
Doors opened and greetings followed, respectful, composed and effortless.
"Welcome, Miss Carter."
"Welcome."
