Chapter 14 - WHAT ALEXANDER CHOSE
The board gave Alexander two options.
Publicly distance himself from “the household employee scandal.” Confirm that Noah’s attachment to me was being handled clinically. Proceed with a private reconciliation meeting with the Caldwell family.
Then he asked me, “What would you do?”
I almost laughed. “I refill champagne for a living.”
“No. You make decisions every day when my son is afraid.”
“That is different.”
“Maybe not.”
I looked at him. “You want my honest answer?”
“Yes.”
“Stop asking what protects the company for five minutes.”
Then I said, “Ask what story Noah hears when he’s fifteen and finds this online.”
Alexander looked at the viral clip again. His five-year-old son crossing a ballroom. Choosing the person who knew where Bunny slept.
“Draft a statement.”
“What message?”
He looked at Noah, who was building a block tower on the rug.
“This one.”
An hour later, Sterling Holdings released it.
Last night, my son was placed in a public situation no five-year-old should have been asked to navigate. I allowed it. That was my failure. Emma Carter did not manipulate my child, solicit attention, or seek a role in my family. She cared for my son when I was too often absent. Any attempt to punish her for that is unacceptable. There will be no marriage selection, no forced separation, and no residential placement.
Eleanor stared at him. “Your father would be ashamed.”
He looked at her. “No. My father would ask what it cost.”
“It may cost you control.”
“Then it costs me control.”
Noah walked over. “Did you lose?”
Alexander looked down at him. “Maybe.”
“Is that bad?”
He thought. “Not always.”
Caroline’s attorney had delivered a package as part of negotiations.
LYDIA RECORDINGS.
Caroline had written, six months after Lydia died:
May you like
I found the remaining voice files. Do you want them destroyed?
YES.
