Chapter 5 Truths And Decisions

• I stand at the stove, flipping bacon and thinking about last night. The sizzling bacon fills the air with a savory aroma, but my mind is elsewhere. Last night was one of the longest nights of my life, and I'm still reeling from the drama that unfolded.
• Flipping the bacon in the pan, I rehearse my short speech.
• “I have carefully considered your proposition, Mr. Vanderbilt, but I must respectfully decline to act as your fake romantic partner. I am deeply honored that you have placed your trust in me by seeking my assistance in this matter. However, I am unable to compromise my principles. I am confident that you will find a resolution to your situation soon.”
• The request for help from Nicholas Vanderbilt in this tangled mess of a situation feels more than a little suspicious. He's been icy and dismissive towards me since he saw me, and suddenly he's all charm because he needs my help? It's hard to swallow.
• I can't help but wonder if this is just another one of his manipulative tactics. You know the type - rich, entitled men who think they can treat women like dirt and then turn on the charm when they need something. How can I trust that he's not playing me?
• His story seems too convenient, too perfectly framed. Is he really in trouble, or is he just using me as a pawn in his game? I've seen enough drama to know that things aren't always what they seem, especially when it involves someone like Nicholas Vanderbilt. But then again, maybe I'm just being paranoid.
• "Mhmmm, do I smell bacon?" Gabrielle's chuckle follows, and I turn to see her walking into the kitchen, a mischievous grin on her face.
• "Hey, Gabby," I reply, trying to sound casual despite the tension between us. "You're up early."
• "I could say the same about you," she says, her eyes scanning the kitchen. "What's cooking?"
• "Just some bacon and eggs," I reply, gesturing to the plate. "Want some?"
• She nods, and she grabs a bacon without hesitation.The silence between us is palpable. I know Gabrielle is hiding something, and I’m determined to get to the bottom of it.
• "Gabby, what's going on?" I ask, my voice low and even. "You've been distant for a long time, and I know something's bothering you." I take a sip of juice.
• Gabrielle sighs, her eyes dropping to the floor. "Aurora, I'm so sorry. I know I've been distant, but I had to protect you."
• "Protect me from what?" I press, my curiosity piqued.
• "Nate, he...he was dealing drugs, Aurora. He was part of a dangerous cartel, and that's how he was suddenly getting rich."She hesitates, her voice barely above a whisper.
• My heart sinks, the juice in my mouth suddenly tasting bitter. "What? How could he do this to me?"
• Gabrielle's eyes are filled with regret. "I know, Aurora. I'm so sorry. I wanted to tell you, but he threatened to ruin my career if I did. I couldn't tell you, but I had to protect you by any means."
• I feel a wave of anger wash over me, but I push it down, trying to process the revelation. "He did that?" I whisper, my voice trembling with rage.
• Gabrielle nods, her voice heavy with regret. "He did. The only way I could protect you was to make you hate him and convince you to leave New York. I didn't want Kaitlyn to have a criminal in her life, and I couldn't bear to lose you. I'm sorry I kept this from you all this while."
• I pull her into an embrace, my heart heavy with emotion. "I understand why you did that, Gabby. But you could've still told me. I mean, it's been years now."
• Gabrielle pulls back, her eyes searching mine. "I know, Aurora. I just couldn't bring myself to.”
• “And how long were you planning on playing hide and seek with me? You stopped answering my calls, you're never at home, you even stopped visiting."
• She sighs, "I missed you, Aurora. But I was not sure of how to tell you and I was scared you'd be angry. I didn't know how you'll process everything."
• I pull her into another hug. "I missed you too, Gabby."
• We talk for what feels like hours, the kitchen growing quiet as the sun rises higher in the sky. Finally, Gabrielle offers to get Kaitlyn ready for school to make it up to me.
• As we finish up, I head to Vanderbilt Enterprises with my mind still reeling. The tension in the office is palpable, like a thick fog that refuses to lift. Ethan's voice cuts through the murmur, and I turn to him, grateful for the distraction.
• "Hey, Aurora!”
• “Hey,What's going on? Everything feels different today."
• "Family business issues, I hear. The Vanderbilts are at each other's throats, and Nicholas might not be our CEO for long."
• My eyes widen "No way! I had no idea it was that serious."
• Nicholas wasn't lying afterall.
• "I know, right? It's like a soap opera around here."Ethan chuckles, his eyes sparkling with amusement and I smile.
• “Yeah, just what I heard. But who knows? It feels more than just a rumor. He's been acting strange lately. It might be true," Ethan says, passing me a cup of coffee.
• "Thanks." I take a sip, processing the information. "Any idea why he might be out as CEO?"
• " The Vanderbilts have a history of power struggles. Dominic, his brother, they've been at each other's throats for years," Ethan confides.
• "I see." The pieces start to fall into place.
• "Dominic wouldn't mind taking the reins, that's for sure," Ethan adds before excusing himself. "I'll catch you later, Aurora. Got work to do."
• "Sure." My voice trails off, barely audible.
• If this is true, things could take a dramatic turn. As much as I hate to admit it, I can't resist delving into the details of this powerful family. In a family like the Vanderbilts', one would expect nothing less than power struggles and high-stakes drama.
• I battle to concentrate on my work as my mind races with possibilities. I find myself giving in to an urge I never thought I'd entertain-I decide to take a stroll around the office, hoping to catch whispers of what's really going on.
• As I pass by the conference room, voices from within catch my attention, and my feet instinctively halt.
• “... Can't continue to act like this.” A female voice comes through.
• “ I am really trying my best to do what is needed.” Mr. Vanderbilt’s voice is calmer than ever.
• “ It's not about your efforts,Nick, we want to see you follow your dad's request.” A stern voice interjects.
• My heart pounds hard against my chest as I strain my ears to hear the almost inaudible voices.
• “ Look, I've been trying. But you know finding a partner is no joke.All I'm asking for is more time.”
• “ Father's will stipulates that you must be married or at least be in a stable relationship by age thirty to remain CEO. You'll be thirty in a month.” Another board member interjects.
• There's a collective murmur of agreement in the room and my heart keeps pounding harder.
• “ I know what the will says, Dominic.” Mr. Vanderbilt’s harsh voice comes through.
• “ Well, you have until the end of next month to introduce your partner to us, or you lose your position.” A gentle female voice comes through.
• “ Mother, you cannot allow them take away my birthright”
• “ This is your birthright on a simple condition. Son, there's nothing I can do about this. There really is nothing I can do.”
• His mom?
• With that, I feel my heart sink. He really has a situation. I don't exactly like my boss but the last thing I want is for him to have to do what his family wants.
• Just when I decide that I've heard enough, the door swings open and I'm met face to face with Mr. Vanderbilt. His icy eyes meet mine and my heart races even faster. My mouth is suddenly dry and I swallow hard.
• His masculine hand grips my hand and pulls me along with him.