Chapter 31

Chapter Thirty-One

The rays of the morning sun warmed up the Celestial City as Fiona and Rosa resumed their daily pattern of life. Fiona had found a revived source of belonging through Selina's organization and had been going strong ever since, with Rosa standing as a continuous rock beside her. Their lives were finally coming to a balance amidst all challenges.

But their peace was going to be ruffled by a very unexpected visitor. Fiona was putting the triplets' toys away when the doorbell rang. Rosa, busy preparing lunch, looked toward Fiona and raised an eyebrow.

"I'll get it," replied Fiona, curiosity getting the better of her. Upon opening the door, she was confronted with a stunningly tall, elegant woman standing in the hall. The very first thing that struck Fiona was the style and poise of the visitor, who was immaculately dressed.

"Hello," the woman said with that warm yet enigmatic smile. "I'm Dr. Evelyn Hart. I hope I'm not interrupting."

Fiona's brow furrowed. "Dr. Hart? We haven't met, I'm afraid. What can I do for you?"

Fiona hesitated but then stepped aside to let Dr. Hart enter. The lady's poised demeanor and polished appearance bespoke someone of influence and importance.

Once inside, Dr. Hart looked around the modest apartment; she looked in admiration. "This is a really nice home. I can see you've made it quite comfortable."

Fiona offered a tentative smile. "Thank you. Can I offer you something to drink? Coffee or tea?

"That would be wonderful," Dr. Hart said, and settled back on it. "I'd appreciate it."

As Fiona got the drinks, Rosa joined them, watching Dr. Hart with a combination of curiosity and caution. "I'm Rosa. What brings you here, Dr. Hart?"

Dr. Hart accepted the proffered tea with a nod of thanks. "Please, call me Evelyn. I'm here because I heard about some of the struggles you're going through and the help you're getting from the organization. I wanted to offer some personal help."

Fiona was interested. "What kind of personal help?

Evelyn took a moment to reflect and had another sip of tea before she replied. "I'm a specialist in strategic support to those who need it most: families and individuals with complicated situations. The idea is to try to help people in situations like yours, which involve personal or professional challenges, and to get you in touch with resources that could be a solution to your problems."

Rosa raised an eyebrow. "Exactly how do you intend to help us?"

Evelyn's eyes flashed with intrigue. "I've been briefed on your current situation, including the effect of Raven's actions and where you're at concerning support. I'm here to complement that support with tailored advice and to facilitate further assistance with key people in your interest.

Rosa locked eyes with Fiona. "It sounds like quite an offer, but it would be good to know the details of just how that would actually work. So what kind of advice and what kind of connections, then?"
Evelyn laughed warmly again. "I work personally with every one of you to identify your needs and your goals, and then from there I will give you the personalized strategies in how to address any of the gaps, and introduce you to the right professionals who can help you get to the fulfillment of these goals."

Rosa's defense shields remained up. "Can you give me some specific examples of how you have helped women in similar situations to mine?"

Evelyn did not let it ruffle her feathers. Her manner was tranquil and reassuring. "Of course. I have helped my clients contend with contentious legal battles, secure financial stability, and put in place professional networks from which you can draw advice and resources. My aim is to see you have every possible advantage as you start this new chapter of your life."

Fiona was interested but wary. "This all sounds very hopeful. How do we get started?"

Evelyn's smile broadened. "We can meet with you to go over exactly what you need and work out a plan tailored to your situation. I'll also introduce you to a few key contacts who might be able to help along the way."

Rosa nodded, her skepticism mollified by the possible payoff. "Alright, we'll think this over. When would be good to meet

Evelyn glanced at her watch. "How about tomorrow afternoon? We can have an in-depth discussion and start developing a plan."

Fiona and Rosa agreed to the meeting and Evelyn left, saying she would be in touch. As Fiona and Rosa continued with their day, they couldn't help but think that the visit by Evelyn was going to both open up the world of possibilities and close others.

True to her promise, Evelyn arrived next afternoon and walked in with an air of professionalism and efficiency. Evelyn and Fiona took a seat at the kitchen table, on which Evelyn had laid out a notebook and a few documents.

"Let's get into a little depth about your situation," she said, in a businesslike but genuinely warm way. "I really would like to get a feel for where you are, what your short-term needs are, and what your long-term goals are.

Fiona inhaled deeply. "At the moment, what most matters is that we stabilize our financial status and that we get the kind of support we need for the triplets. We're also emotionally devastated by everything that has happened.

Evelyn nodded, scribbling some notes onto a tablet of paper. "Got it. For financial stability, I can refer you to a financial advisor specializing in family finances and legal settlements. They will be able to help you manage your resources and plan for the future."

Rosa said next, "That sounds helpful. What about for emotional support? We've been through a lot and could definitely use some professional guidance.

Evelyn softened. "I can connect you with a counselor that is very good with people after trauma, or families. They will be able to give you support tailored to what you need."

Fiona brightened. "That would be nice. I feel so overwhelmed. It would be nice to talk to someone.

Evelyn smiles. "I'll get all the referrals arranged, and I will ensure you get all the contact information you may need. Also, I will provide you with as much professional development and networking exposure as we can from our side, wherein you can find new opportunities for your own personal and financial growth."

With the aforementioned plan that Evelyn gave, hope flitted once more in Fiona's eyes. The amount of support, from the flow of her words, appeared like a slide puzzle that will start their lives over again.

Evening came, and while Fiona and Rosa were in the kitchen preparing dinner, there came a knock at the door. It was a young man standing at the threshold. He was quite average-looking, but there was something about him that exuded quiet confidence.

"Hi. I'm Julian Carter," the man greeted her with an easy smile. "I was sent by Evelyn Hart. She said I should drop by and introduce myself.

Julian Carter? What can I do for you?

Julian nodded. "Evelyn thought it might be worthwhile for you to meet me. I'm a mediator and consultant in matters of high personal and business risks. I can offer further support and guidance as you go through your current challenges."

Rosa's eyes narrowed slightly. "What kind of support?

Julian's tone was conciliatory, reassuring. "I'd be more than willing to mediate, help strategize. And of course, there's leverage in my contacts around town. I will be a support to Evelyn's from-the-ground-up approach and make sure you folks are fully supported and resourced."
Fiona and Rosa looked at each other. With Julian, the plot was thickening end.

"Okay," Fiona said with a smile, opening the door to let Julian in. "Let's gain a seat and discuss more what type of things you can assist us in."

Seating himself at the corner of the kitchen table, Julian began to reveal what his role was all about, really. For them, Fiona and Rosa, the two women just sat there listening, trying to map out what this new appointment in their roster of caregivers could do for them.

As Julian finished his presentation, he looked thoughtfully over at Fiona. "I know this is a lot to hear, and I want to make sure you're comfortable with the support you're getting. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out."

Fiona nodded. "Thanks, Julian. We appreciate the offer and will definitely keep you in mind.

After Julian had left, Fiona and Rosa took a few moments to sort out the new developments at their table. The ideas of Julian being part of their support system were fascinating but at the same time puzzling.

"I'm glad we're getting all this help, but it feels like there's more to this than I can just overlook," Rosa ventured to say.

Fiona nodded in agreement. "It's like we're getting entangled in a bigger web of influence and power. I just hope all of this help is really for our own good."

He continued talking as they remained in that spot, but Fiona just could shake the feeling that Julian's arrival and Evelyn's organization being too involved could turn them down paths that were unchartered. The future still represented unknown territory, but Fiona felt that anything she confronted from now on had to be faced with courage and determination. Quite literally, Fiona was prepared to stare in the face the complexities of her situation and work towards the improvement of her future and that of her family, being now equipped with Rosa and a new net of support.