Chapter 13 - THE GIRL WHO OWNED A FORTUNE
By the time Laya turned five, the Blackwater estate had been placed under a carefully supervised trust.
The silver mine remained closed while the land was assessed.
Samuel refused offers from speculators.
He wanted the property protected until Laya was old enough to decide its future.
The county also established new rules for orphan care.
Children could no longer be placed through public auctions.
Every placement required proper review.
And the asylum received new leadership.
Eleanor helped organize medical visits.
Martha volunteered to teach sewing.
Samuel donated lumber for a new schoolroom.
One afternoon, Laya visited the rebuilt asylum with Eleanor.
She carried a basket of dolls.
The children gathered around her.
One little boy stood apart.
Quiet.
Frightened.
Laya approached him.
She held out a doll.
He didn't move.
She smiled.
“You don't have to talk.”
Eleanor watched.
Her eyes filled.
Laya placed the doll beside him.
Then said softly:
“Some people just need time.”
That evening, Samuel asked about her visit.
Laya climbed into his lap.
“The little boy was sad.”
Samuel nodded.
“Sometimes people are.”
She looked at him.
“Like me?”
His throat tightened.
“Yes, sweetheart.”
She thought for a moment.
Then smiled.
“But I'm happy now.”
Samuel closed his eyes.
May you like
He held her close.
“So am I.”
