Chapter 7 - THE SELECTION CEREMONY
Alexander read Lydia’s letter alone.
When he came downstairs, he looked different. Not calmer. Clearer.
The ballroom cleanup had stopped. Staff stood in clusters, pretending not to listen.
“Who suggested tonight’s ceremony?”
She folded her arms. “I did.”
“Did Vanessa’s family ask for it?”
“No.”
“Madeline’s?”
“No.”
“Claire’s?”
“No.”
“Then why make Noah choose?”
Eleanor’s voice remained controlled. “Because you refused to choose.”
“That is my problem.”
“It becomes his problem when he has no mother.”
Alexander glanced toward the stairs. “No. It became his problem when you turned grief into an audition.”
Then he asked, “Why those three women?”
“They are appropriate.”
“According to what?”
“Character. Family. Education.”
“Business?”
Vanessa Caldwell’s father controlled a bank Sterling needed for an international acquisition. Madeline Royce’s family owned a media group. Claire Whitmore’s family sat on two charitable boards important to Sterling Foundation.
Three women. Three strategic relationships.
Noah’s “choice” would make whichever alliance Alexander pursued look emotional instead of corporate.
Eleanor looked at me. “You see conspiracy because you do not understand our world.”
Alexander said, “She didn’t say anything.”
Noah crossing the ballroom. Noah hugging me. Noah saying Mommy.
Within minutes, the clip had millions of views.
BILLIONAIRE HEIR REJECTS SOCIETY BRIDES FOR MAID.
Another video appeared. This one began after Eleanor ordered me to put Noah down. It made me look defiant.
A third showed my resignation letter being pulled from my pocket.
MAID PLANNED EXIT BEFORE PUBLIC STUNT.
I will not comment on a deeply inappropriate manipulation involving a vulnerable child.
May you like
WE KNOW WHERE YOUR NIECE GOES TO SCHOOL.
I stopped breathing.
