Chapter 5 - The Mother's Ploy
Eleanor Sterling had never been a mother to me. She was a PR manager who happened to give birth to me.
Realizing that Arthur was sinking and Chloe was a liability, she changed tactics. She invited me to a public lunch at a high-end restaurant in Manhattan, making sure the paparazzi were tipped off.
She wore conservative pearls and a sorrowful expression. As soon as I sat down, she reached across the table, trying to grab my hand. I pulled it away.
"Elara, darling, please," she wept loudly enough for the neighboring tables to hear. "Our family is breaking apart. Arthur made mistakes, yes, but we are your blood. We can fix this together. Don't destroy everything your father worked for."
She was trying to paint me as the vengeful, unhinged daughter in the public eye.
I leaned in closely, keeping my voice a harsh whisper. "You knew, didn't you? You knew Arthur was selling defective armor to the military to cut costs."
Eleanor's eyes flashed with cold calculation before the tears resumed. "I only did what was necessary to protect our lifestyle. To protect you, eventually."
May you like
I smiled softly and tapped the diamond brooch on my lapel. "Smile for the camera, Mother. This microphone is broadcasting directly to the Department of Justice."
Eleanor froze, her face draining of color as she stared at the hidden wire. Checkmate.
