Chapter 7 - THE MAID WHO REFUSED TO BE BOUGHT
Richard Whitmore offered Elena half a million dollars.
The meeting took place in a private conference room at the hospital.
Elena had agreed only because her attorney was present.
Richard wore a charcoal suit.
His expression was pleasant.
“Miss Morales.”
She said nothing.
He placed a folder on the table.
“Five hundred thousand dollars.”
Elena stared.
“For what?”
“To resolve this unfortunate misunderstanding.”
She looked at him.
“You mean the theft accusation?”
Richard smiled.
“That, and certain rumors about my family.”
Elena's stomach tightened.
“My mother didn't spread rumors.”
Richard leaned back.
“Your mother is ill.”
Elena went still.
He continued.
“Medical treatment is expensive.”
Her attorney shifted.
“Mr. Whitmore—”
Richard raised a hand.
“I'm offering help.”
Elena looked at the folder.
For one terrible moment, she thought about the bills.
The hospital calls.
The nights she'd cried in her car.
Then she looked at Richard.
“What happens if I take it?”
He smiled.
“You and your mother move somewhere comfortable.”
“And Gabriel Moretti?”
Richard's smile disappeared.
Elena leaned forward.
“Do I have to pretend he never existed?”
Silence.
Then she pushed the folder back.
“No.”
Richard stared.
“You're making a mistake.”
Elena stood.
“Maybe.”
Her voice trembled.
“But at least it'll be my mistake.”
May you like
She left with her attorney.
And for the first time in weeks, she felt poor but not powerless.
