Chapter 7 - Turning the Page
I looked at the young woman sitting before me. Part of me felt pity for her—she was the product of parents who had taught her that human worth was measured entirely by status and material possessions.
“I will not post the video,” I said. “I have no desire to destroy your personal life for public entertainment. The video will remain safely stored in my vault. As long as you and your family leave Ethan alone and make no attempt to spread false rumors about this breakup, the public will never see it.”
Vanessa let out a massive sigh of relief, slumping back into the chair. “Thank you... thank you, Mrs. Carter.”
“Do not thank me yet, Vanessa,” I added sternly. “You have a long road ahead of you. You have lost a good man who genuinely cared for you. You have lost an entry into a family that would have cherished you. I suggest you take this opportunity to look in the mirror and decide who you actually want to be for the rest of your life.”
Ethan walked over to the door and pulled it open. “It’s time for you to go, Vanessa.”
She stood up slowly, her head bowed. She looked at Ethan one last time, hoping for a sliver of warmth or regret in his eyes, but she found only polite, distance firmness. Without another word, she walked out of the library, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor until the front doors closed behind her.
Ethan closed the door and leaned against it, taking a deep breath. “I feel like I just woke up from a long, bad dream.”
“Breakups are always painful, Ethan,” I said, walking over to him and resting my hand on his arm. “Even when you know it’s the right decision. Take some time for yourself. The company can run without you for a few weeks.”
May you like
“No,” Ethan shook his head, a small, genuine smile finally returning to his face. “Actually, Mom... I think I want to spend some time doing what you used to do. I want to work with our charitable foundation directly. No board meetings, no high-society galas. Just helping real people.”
My heart swelled with pride. “That, my son, is the best decision you’ve made all year.”
