Chapter 6 - The Groveling
"Hello, Eleanor," I said evenly.
"Please," my mother-in-law sobbed. This was the same woman who had hidden her laughter behind a crystal champagne flute when her son struck me. "Julian is in a holding cell. The police picked him up an hour ago for the assault. Victor is having a panic attack. We have nothing. They took my jewelry, Clara! They took my grandmother’s rings!"
"Your grandmother’s rings were used as collateral for a loan Victor defaulted on three years ago, Eleanor," I reminded her. "I bailed them out. Just like I said on that stage."
"We can fix this!" she pleaded. "You and Julian love each other! He’s so sorry! If you just drop the charges, if you talk to your father—"
"Julian didn't hit me because he was stressed," I interrupted, my voice hardening. "Julian hit me because Victor trained him to view women as property, and you allowed it. You laughed, Eleanor. I saw you."
The line went dead silent. She knew I had caught her.
"You are a cruel, vindictive little girl," Eleanor suddenly hissed, the weeping act evaporating instantly. "You trapped my son! You and your father orchestrated this to steal our legacy!"
"Your legacy was a mountain of debt and a facade of arrogance," I replied. "Enjoy the motel, Eleanor. I hear they leave the light on for you."
May you like
I ended the call and tossed the phone onto the table.
My father smiled. A terrifying, proud smile. "That’s my girl. Now, get dressed. We have a board meeting to attend."
