Chapter 12 - THE SHOP WITH THE GREEN WINDOWS
Adeline resigned from the Bellandi household after recovering.
Roman accepted her decision.
He arranged the compensation owed for her workplace injury and ensured the independent investigation was completed.
Adeline used her savings, a small business loan, and the compensation she was legally entitled to receive to open a woodworking studio.
She named it:
BENNETT & DAUGHTER
The sign hung above a storefront with green-painted windows.
Inside were handmade shelves, wooden toys, picture frames, and small tables.
The first piece she sold was a rocking horse.
A little girl bought it with her grandmother.
Adeline cried after they left.
Her mother laughed.
“Your father would be proud.”
Adeline nodded.
“I hope so.”
Roman visited on opening day.
He brought no expensive gift.
Only a small wooden toolbox.
Adeline stared at it.
“What's this?”
He smiled.
“Your father's old tools.”
Her breath caught.
Roman continued.
“They were stored with the warehouse evidence. After the investigators released them to the family, I arranged for their return.”
Adeline opened the box.
Inside lay her father's measuring tape.
His favorite chisel.
A worn carpenter's pencil.
And a small brass level.
She began crying.
Roman stood quietly.
She looked up.
“Thank you.”
He nodded.
“They belong with you.”
She stepped forward.
Then hugged him.
Roman froze for half a second.
Then wrapped his arms around her.
Neither spoke.
But something between them changed.
Not because he'd rescued her.
May you like
Not because he'd given her money.
Because he'd returned something she thought was lost forever.
