Grandparents Forced His Kids to Serve Guests Then Their Father Revealed Who Paid for the Entire Party / Chapter 6 / 20

Chapter 6 - The Gates of EdenThe drive into the hills took less than an hour, but for Samuel, Rebecca, and Jacob, they might as well have traveled to a different planet.

Thomas steered the Escalade off the main highway and onto a winding, private road lined with ancient oak trees. The dense canopy filtered the late afternoon sun, casting a golden glow over the immaculate landscaping. As they rounded the final bend, massive wrought-iron gates came into view, flanked by stone pillars and a discreet security checkpoint.

"Dad?" Rebecca whispered, leaning forward between the front seats. "Where are we going? I thought we were going home."

"We are, sweetie," Thomas replied gently. He rolled down the window as a uniformed security guard stepped out of the booth.

"Welcome back, Mr. Sterling," the guard said warmly, pressing a button that sent the heavy iron gates swinging inward. "Everything has been prepared for your arrival."

"Thank you, David," Thomas nodded.

As the SUV rolled through the gates, the estate finally revealed itself. The main house was a sprawling, modern architectural masterpiece of glass, dark wood, and natural stone, seamlessly integrated into the hillside. Beyond the house lay a massive infinity pool overlooking the valley, a private tennis court, and acres of lush, rolling gardens.

Jacob, who had woken up from his nap, pressed his small face against the tinted glass, his eyes wide as saucers. "Is this a hotel, Daddy?"

"No, buddy," Thomas smiled, a genuine feeling of warmth spreading through his chest for the first time since yesterday. "This is our new house. I bought it a while ago, but... I was waiting for the right time for us to move in. Today is the right time."

He parked in the circular driveway, and before he could even turn off the engine, the heavy oak front doors opened. A kind-faced woman in a neat, professional dress stepped out, followed by two staff members. This was Mrs. Higgins, the estate manager Thomas had hired months ago but kept on retainer.

Thomas stepped out of the car and opened the back doors, helping his children out. They stood on the cobblestone driveway, looking small and overwhelmed.

"Kids, this is Mrs. Higgins. She runs the house, and she's going to help us get settled," Thomas introduced.

Mrs. Higgins smiled warmly, crouching down slightly to be at eye level with Jacob and Samuel. "It is so wonderful to finally meet you. Your father has told me so much about you. Jacob, I heard you like dinosaurs. We set up a whole Jurassic Park in the playroom for you. And Samuel, there is a brand-new telescope on the balcony of your room. You can see the rings of Saturn tonight."

Samuel’s jaw dropped. "Really?"

"Really," she promised. She looked up at Rebecca. "And Rebecca, we have an art studio set up just for you, with the best natural light."

The kids looked at Thomas, silently asking for permission to be happy. He gave them a firm, encouraging nod. "Go on. Go pick out your rooms."

As the kids eagerly followed Mrs. Higgins inside, Thomas hung back for a moment, looking at the sweeping view of the valley. He had kept them in their old, cramped three-bedroom house to maintain a sense of normalcy, fearing that wealth would spoil them. But watching them run inside, safe, protected, and free from the toxic judgment of his in-laws, he realized something crucial: Money doesn't corrupt good people. It just gives them a bigger shield.

His phone vibrated in his pocket. It was Marcus.