Chapter 42 – Acceptance

The days began to blur for her. Nothing more to do, but wait for another message from their generous benefactor. An eye for an eye it had seemed. With an overbearing mother, work to be done, and misconnections to be had, Avery was beginning to wonder whether her savior would ever show themselves. 

“Honey are you ready, Topher is almost here for the meeting,” Loraine stressed as she tried to fasten her earrings. “He is willing to give us enough to put the sharks at bay.” 

The two had transformed Henry’s office into a makeshift dressing room. A sigh drew from her as she applied a plump shade of dark red lipstick, “Yes mother, just a few more moments.” The decision to sell wasn’t what she wanted to do with the company but with no other option presenting itself, what were they to do. With each passing day, who knew what else would happen. 

With a knock at the door, it was Ms. Cavanaugh. “Ms. Aquitaine, your appointment is here.” It was time to put on the performance. 

“Thank you, I shall take him to the conference room.” She said politely to show her eagerness for the entire thing. 

“Why good afternoon, Ms. Aquitaine.” He said with a stern voice.

“Afternoon, Mr. Crawford.” She said. 

“Thank you, oh by the way this letter was left at your front door.” he said as he gave her a hug.

It was addressed to Avery with no return address, the letter drew more interest than Loraine wanted to reveal. “Oh, it must be another sympathy card from one the other workers.” She giggled slightly. “Let me give this to her, please take a seat, if you need anything in the meantime Ms. Cavanaugh will be happy to provide it.”

She scuttled back to the office as elegantly as she could. For a woman at her age, she was astonished how one note could put such a pep in her step. She swung the door open, then shut it behind her. 

“Mother, what is it? I am nearly finished.” She said as putting on the final touch, a couple of spritzes of Portrait Of A Lady by Dominique Ropion. 

“Honey, this was left for you outside. Christopher gave it to me on his arrival.” Hesitant to make any judgements, she continued, “What if this is from the mysterious benefactor?” 

“Honestly mother, we shouldn’t deal with that now. We have an actual deal to see through,” she said turning around from in the office chair. 

It was too late, Loraine had opened the letter in spite of her daughter’s objection. The two gathered at the edge of the desk and began to read its content. 

“Dear Ms. Avery Aquitaine, 

It has been quite some time since my last remark. I know this letter finds you in good health. I had done what needed to be, to protect you, your family, and the name of the company. 

You will be pleased to hear that the list provided in your last statement is now void. The hired help for this task has been sought out and should be no trouble to you or your mother. I have a plan to see that they get their just end. This person was also responsible for the death of your brother, James. The order was sent out by the late Henry Aquitaine. 

Please do not look any further into this situation. 

Sincerely, 

CX.” 

They had gone through the stages of grief for their beloved, James, or so they thought. Tears began to form once again. “To think we had put that behind us and now this proved we knew nothing all along.” Loraine said with such disdain. “How could your father do so much damage to his own flesh and blood. I want to be rid of him completely from my mind.” 

Avery stood there for a couple moments as she processed the information. Wondering who would’ve known of her father’s orders. One in particular came to mind, Emerson. As head of security he must surely have some answers for the pale face girl. As she wiped a tear from her face, she said, “Mother, we will discuss this more after the paperwork is signed. Let’s go.” 

It was time to accept the fact Henry was not the man they thought. Hand in hand, the two proceeded past the door, and into what would be a final blow to the Aquitaines. The Aquitaine women were eager for this deal to be done and wash their hands of anything with the patriarch’s mark.