Chapter 7 - THE ARCHITECT’S RETURN
By the end of the month, Sienna stepped back into her true element for the first time in four years.
Before she had met Gavin, Sienna was an award-winning architectural designer known for creating open, light-filled spaces that blended natural timber with glass and stone. Gavin had systematically dismantled her career, convincing her to give up her firm under the guise of "focusing on family."
Now, standing in the center of the estate’s east wing with a roll of blueprint paper under her arm, Sienna was reclaiming her craft.
"Mommy, are we putting a big window here?" Mila asked, running her hand along a dusty brick wall that was marked for demolition.
"We’re tearing this entire wall down, sweetie," Sienna smiled, kneeling beside her daughter and spreading the blueprint out on a wooden workbench. "We’re replacing it with floor-to-ceiling glass looking out over the rose garden. No more dark hallways. No more locked doors."
Nico walked into the wing, accompanied by Mark and two senior project managers from the Ferrante Development Group—the conglomerate Nico had founded forty years ago.
"Sienna," Nico said, leaning on his brass-handled walking stick. "The board of directors met this morning."
Sienna paused, looking up guardedly. "Did they have concerns about the public scandal?"
"On the contrary," Nico replied with a proud smile. "The stock stabilized the moment the public learned that Gavin was removed and that the police had intervened. But the board needs a new Vice President of Design and Development—someone who understands integrity, structure, and vision."
He gestured to the blueprint spread out on the bench.
"I presented your early concepts for the municipal green housing project to the board," Nico continued. "They voted unanimously to appoint you head of the design division."
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Tears pricked the corners of Sienna’s eyes. For four long years, she had been made to feel useless, penniless, and dependent. "Nico... are you sure? I’ve been out of the field for so long."
"You were never out of the field, Sienna," Nico said gently, touching her shoulder. "Your mind was simply held captive. It is time to build again."
