“Of course.”
“No. You don’t believe that.”
Eleanor sighed.
“You have to understand how much pressure Nathan has been under to produce an heir.”
“He produced a child. So did I.”
“A male heir.”
There it was.
No euphemism.
No polished language.
Just the truth.
Eleanor leaned closer.
“The Caldwell name has passed through five generations. Nathan’s father believes his grandson should eventually take responsibility for that legacy.”
“And my daughter?”
“She will be provided for.”
The same phrase Nathan had used.
Provided for.
Like a dependent employee.
I nodded slowly.
“I understand.”
Eleanor smiled.
“I knew you would.”
She stayed another fifteen minutes.
She talked about discretion.
Public relations.
How damaging a scandal would be.
How Vanessa was “not necessarily permanent.”
How I should avoid emotional decisions.
I listened politely.
When she left, I called Rachel.
“She knows.”
“About the son?”
“Everything.”
Rachel went quiet.
“That helps us.”
