Song: Next to you – John Vincent III

Two months had passed since the tragic murder of Alexandra's grandparents, and the Lacroix family found themselves en route to a new life in Vermont. The move from France was executed with the same precision and discretion that characterized their father Henry's approach to sensitive matters—quiet and quick, facilitated by a private jet to ensure the utmost privacy.

As they flew over the Atlantic, the vast expanse beneath them seemed to mirror the immense change they were about to embrace. Vermont awaited, with its quiet, expansive landscapes and the promise of a fresh start, far from the painful memories that haunted their estate in France.

The family's new home in Vermont was an imposing modern mansion set amidst endless acres of lush greenery, a stark contrast to their ancestral home's historical opulence. Henry had chosen this place not just for its beauty but for its isolation, providing Isabel the tranquility she desperately needed to mend her shattered spirit.

Upon their arrival, the siblings gathered in the grand foyer, their expressions a mix of apprehension and resolve. The weight of their new roles within the family and their responsibilities back in Europe was palpable.

Alderic, ever the pillar of strength, addressed his siblings with a firm resolve. "We have everything laid out for us here, thanks to father's foresight. I know this transition is daunting, but we are Lacroixs. We adapt, and we overcome. I'll be overseeing our interests in Metropolis and Central City, ensuring our legacy endures."

Xavier, typically the more reflective of the siblings, looked out towards the sprawling estates. "It's not just about maintaining our legacy, Alderic. We've got to build something new here, something meaningful. I'll be in D.C., but my heart will stay with this family, always."

Celine, whose thoughts often strayed to Bruce and the unresolved feelings she harbored, added softly, "I'll be in Gotham, close to... memories and possibilities. It's what mother needs right now, to be away from everything that reminds us of that night."

Alexandra, whose decision to pause her medical career had surprised many, shared her own convictions. "And I'll be here, in Vermont, at the police academy. Once I'm done, Gotham will be my next stop. It's not just about avenging Grandmama and Grandpapa. It's about ensuring no one else suffers the way we did."

Henry, observing his children from the doorway, felt a mixture of pride and sorrow. He knew the challenges ahead would be formidable, but he trusted in the resilience and integrity of his children. "Your mother and I will stay here in Vermont. I'll manage our businesses from here, but my main job will be to support Isabel and to be here for any of you, always."

xxx

Alexandra woke to the soft rays of the sun filtering through the curtains, gently warming her face. She lay there a little longer, savoring the quiet and the comforting heat radiating from the bed beneath her. Today was the day Alderic would leave for Metropolis—a fact that weighed heavily on her mind, even as she tried to let the morning's calmness settle in.

When she finally swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her feet met the cold floor, making her wince. Vermont had a bite to its October mornings that she wasn't yet used to. It was different here—everything was different.

She moved into the bathroom and stood before the mirror. Her reflection looked back at her, eyes slightly weary from restless sleep. Green eyes. Messy red hair that tumbled down in slight tangles. The black top and shorts she wore were wrinkled from tossing and turning through the night. She sighed, running her fingers through the disheveled strands before tying them back loosely.

This place wasn't home, not in the way she understood home. It wasn't France. Even though her father had deep roots in the U.S., especially here in Vermont, her life up until now had been spent in the heart of Europe. She was, through and through, a product of her French upbringing. Vermont, with its sprawling hills and the quiet hum of rural life, felt unfamiliar—like a place she was still trying to grow into.

After washing up and slipping into a simple black shirt and cigarette trousers, Alexandra made her way downstairs, feeling the weight of the day beginning to settle in.

xxx

As Alexandra descended the stairs, she realized she was the last one awake. The rest of the family was already gathered around the breakfast table, the soft hum of conversation filling the room. Good mornings were exchanged as she entered.

"Morning, honey, you're awake," Henry quipped, glancing up from his cup of coffee.

Alexandra stretched and shrugged, offering a sleepy smile. "Why didn't you wake me up earlier?"

"We wanted you to get as much rest as possible, considering all you've been doing lately is training—martial arts, horse riding, shooting," Damien teased, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Trying to become Gotham's second vigilante, I see," Xavier added with a wink.

Alexandra rolled her eyes playfully before turning to Alderic. "When are you leaving?"

"My flight's at noon," Alderic replied, folding his napkin. "I expect all of you to be at the door to say goodbye when I leave."

Celine, ever the affectionate one, rose to her feet and wrapped her arms around her older brother. "I'll miss you so much, Alderic."

Alexandra joined in, widening the hug with a mischievous smile. "Hey, I'll miss him more."

Xavier and Damien soon followed, squeezing into the embrace, with Xavier exclaiming, "Ah mon cœur! You guys never missed me this much when I left for school trips!"

Damien sighed dramatically as the hug tightened, causing everyone to laugh.

Henry watched his children with a loving gaze before turning to Isabel, his voice filled with quiet pride. "We've raised a wonderful family, Liz."

Isabel, her hand resting gently on her husband's arm, nodded and smiled warmly. "Yes, we did, Henry."

Alderic straightened his jacket as he addressed his siblings. "I'll be visiting you all in D.C. and Gotham frequently, so behave while I'm not here."

The family sat together, finishing breakfast in a rare moment of unity. It was bittersweet, a sign that life was beginning to pull them in different directions. Once the meal was done, Alderich left to finish packing for his flight, the clock ticking toward his departure.

By 10 a.m., it was time. Alderic stood by the door, bags in hand, as the family gathered to bid farewell.

"I love you all. Mother, Father—I'll make you proud." He paused, looking at each of his siblings with a genuine smile. "Xavier, good luck with the firm in D.C. I know you're more than capable of handling things."

Xavier gave a nod, his usually teasing demeanor replaced with quiet confidence.

"Damien," Alderich continued, "I'll be attending your performances whenever I can. Make sure you become that world-class violinist we all know you are."

Damien chuckled but nodded, his eyes reflecting the weight of Alderich's words.

"Celine, take care of the firm in Gotham. I'll be checking up on you, and if you happen to see Bruce, give him my regards. I need to see him when I'm there."

Celine's expression shifted, a mix of surprise and something else—perhaps longing. Bruce... she thought to herself. Maybe I'll finally get to see him again. I wonder if he read any of my letters.

Then Alderich turned to Alexandra, the youngest. "Alex, mon très cher petit dernier. No matter what you choose to pursue, I'll always support you. But I do hope you reconsider medicine. I'd love to have a doctor in the family," he said with a small smile. "Just remember, you're still young. Don't be too hard on yourself. I want to see you flourish, sweetheart."

Alexandra nodded, a lump forming in her throat as she tried to hold back tears. "I'll make you proud, Alderich. I promise."

Isabel, unable to contain her emotions, leaned in to kiss Alderich on the forehead, her voice trembling. "Tu as fait de moi la mère la plus fière de tous les temps, Alderic. Je t'aime beaucoup."

Henry stood by, his eyes glassy with unshed tears, but his smile wide and proud.

Alderic looked at his family one last time, his gaze lingering on each of them before speaking softly. "I love you all. This is where our new chapter begins."

A sleek black S-class Mercedes-Benz pulled up to the front porch. Alderich took a deep breath, gave his family a final nod, and stepped outside to leave.

One by one, the siblings began their own journeys—Xavier left for Washington a month later, Damien to New York soon after, and Celine made her way to Gotham. But Alexandra stayed behind, completing a year at the police academy in Vermont. She honed her self-defense, shooting, and investigative skills, each day driven by the promise of justice for her grandparents and the city that would one day need her.