Chapter 12
Gavin finally explained the beginning.
Five years earlier, Vanessa became pregnant with Lucas.
Gavin was already involved with her.
He wanted to marry her.
Sybil refused.
Not because Vanessa lacked status.
Because Gavin was nearly bankrupt.
He had hidden failed investments and private debts from his family.
Vanessa’s brother Ethan had helped cover some losses.
Then Alessandra entered negotiations to consolidate several hotel interests with Gavin’s branch of the Ashford family.
A marriage between Alessandra and Gavin offered stability, access and reputation.
Sybil saw salvation.
Gavin saw survival.
Vanessa was told to wait.
Lucas was kept private.
Alessandra stared at Sybil when the older woman eventually joined the formal interview.
“You knew before my wedding.”
Sybil’s eyes did not drop.
“Yes.”
“Your son stood beside me while his child with another woman was already alive.”
“Yes.”
Alessandra’s breathing became almost imperceptible.
Sybil continued with the same arrogance that had carried her through decades.
“You benefited too.”
Alessandra’s gaze sharpened.
“You think that excuses it?”
“No.”
Sybil lifted her chin.
“I think marriages like yours have always been arrangements pretending to be romance.”
Alessandra’s fingers slowly closed.
Then relaxed.
She would not give Sybil the explosion she expected.
“What did you get?”
Sybil’s confidence shifted.
“What?”
“Gavin got financial stability. Vanessa waited. Ethan got contracts.”
Alessandra leaned closer.
“What did you get?”
Silence.
Gavin looked toward his mother.
Vanessa did too.
For the first time, Sybil was the person under pressure.
Then Gavin whispered:
“She got control of my voting proxy.”
Alessandra turned.
Sybil’s face changed.
May you like
The betrayal had not simply been about saving Gavin.
Sybil had used the marriage to gain influence inside Alessandra’s business world as well.
