The Gilded Cage - Episode 8
15-09-25 (18:22)
**Episode 8: The Bargain**
Thomas approached Amanda, his
face etched with concern. "Amanda,
thank goodness I found you.
Madam Vance has been worried
sick."
Amanda scoffed. "Worried? She
kicked me out! She told me I
belonged in a trash can!"
Thomas sighed. "Madam Vance
regrets what she said. She wants
you to come home."
"Home?" Amanda repeated, her
voice filled with bitterness. "That
place was never my home."
"Madam Vance is willing to make
amends," Thomas continued. "She's
willing to give you anything you
want."
Amanda hesitated. Part of her
longed for the security and comfort
of Vance Manor. But she couldn't
forget the years of neglect and
emotional abuse.
"What does she want in return?"
Amanda asked, her eyes narrowed.
"She wants you to come back, to
resume your studies, to be a
Vance," Thomas replied. "In return,
she wants you to… present yourself
as a dutiful daughter. To maintain
the image."
Amanda realized that Eleanor
wasn't offering her love or
acceptance. She was offering her a
bargain. She wanted Amanda to
play a role, to perpetuate the lie of
their perfect family.
After a long, agonizing debate with
herself, Amanda agreed. She would
return to Vance Manor, but on her
own terms. She would use
Eleanor's wealth and influence to
her own advantage, to build a
future for herself that was
independent and fulfilling. Don't forget to leave a Comment 
