Chapter 4 - My Parents in the Water
Before I answered another question, I handed the microphone to Julian and walked to the pool. The terrace stayed silent except for the soft splash of my father helping my mother toward the steps. I knelt at the edge and reached for her hand. “Mom, I’m sorry.” Her fingers were cold and shaking. “Clara, don’t worry about us.” That was exactly why I had waited too long. My parents always tried to make pain smaller so I could keep moving.
My father looked up at me from the shallow water, soaked bow tie crooked, silver hair flattened to his forehead. “You don’t owe us an apology for what she did.” I swallowed hard. “I owe you one for letting her do it this long.” His face softened, and that hurt worse than anger would have. The servers brought towels. My mother wrapped one around herself while keeping her chin lifted with a dignity Olivia would never understand because she had mistaken wealth for breeding.
Julian stepped to the microphone behind me. “Ladies and gentlemen, for legal reasons, this event is now subject to preservation procedures. Please do not destroy, alter, or remove any recording devices, documents, or electronic equipment connected to Sterling Hospitality, Sterling Foundation, or today’s event vendors.” The words were calm, but they moved through the crowd like thunder.
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Olivia tried to regain the room. “This is obscene. My family owns this property.” Julian looked at her. “The property is collateral under active lender review.” Her mouth opened, then closed. Ethan whispered, “Mother.” It was the first time all day he sounded afraid of her instead of loyal to her.
My mother clutched my hand. “Clara, what is happening?” I helped her sit on the nearest chair and wrapped the towel tighter around her shoulders. “The truth,” I said. “Finally.” She looked toward Ethan with an expression I will never forget—not hatred, not shock, but grief that she had trusted him to love me enough to defend them. Ethan saw it and looked away. Cowardice hates mirrors.
