Chapter 5 - The Mother’s Gambit
Evelyn burst into the penthouse like a storm, her designer handbag swinging like
a weapon. She didn't look like the poised socialite from the night before. Her
hair was slightly disheveled, and her eyes were bloodshot. “How dare you!” she
screamed, ignoring Esther entirely. “The press is camping outside the estate,
Preston!” “The board of directors is calling an emergency meeting!” Preston
stood in the middle of the living room, his arms folded over his chest. “You
brought this on yourself, Mother.” Evelyn finally turned her gaze to Esther. Her
lip curled in a sneer that she couldn't hide. “You,” she spat. “You’ve poisoned
his mind.” “He was a brilliant man before he met a girl from a gutter like you.”
Esther didn't flinch. She stood up from the balcony chair and walked into the
room. She was wearing a simple silk dress Preston had bought that morning. She
looked more elegant in a plain dress than Evelyn did in her thousands of dollars
of couture. “I was the one who kept your house running,” Esther said, her voice
steady. “I was the one who cooked your meals while you mocked my background.” “I
did it because I believed in family.” “But you don’t know what that word means.”
Evelyn laughed, a harsh, dry sound. “Family is about legacy, you little fool.”
“It’s about maintaining the image of perfection.” Preston stepped between
them, his shadow looming over his mother. “The image is gone,” he said. “I’ve
already authorized the release of the remaining tapes.” Evelyn’s face went
white. “The remaining tapes?” she whispered. “You mean...” “Yes,” Preston said.
“The footage of you and Gabriela discussing how to frame Esther for the
missing jewelry.” “The footage of you admitting that you hated her because she
reminded you of the people you used to look down on.” Evelyn staggered back,
reaching for the back of a sofa for support. “You wouldn't,” she gasped. “That’s
your own mother you’re talking about.” “I don't see a mother,” Preston said,
walking toward her until she was forced to look up at him. “I see a woman who
tortured my wife.” “I see a woman who tried to destroy my happiness.” He pointed
toward the elevator. “Leave.” “Before I call the police and file the assault
charges Esther has been too kind to mention.” Evelyn looked at Esther one last
time. There was no more fire in her eyes, only the realization of a total
defeat. She turned and walked out, her shoulders slumped. When the elevator
doors closed, the penthouse felt lighter. The air seemed easier to breathe.
Esther sat back down, her legs finally giving out. “Is it over?” she asked.
Preston sat beside her and pulled her into his lap. “The first battle is over,”
May you like
he said. “But we have a lot of work to do to rebuild.” “Starting with a
vacation,” he added. “Somewhere where no one knows our name.”
