Chapter 7 - WHEN GRANT LEFTGrant’s work accelerated.
His father had died several years before.
Montgomery Group needed next chairman.
Beatrice controlled family trust and voting bloc.
Grant controlled operations.
To prove himself, he traveled constantly.
Tokyo.
London.
Zurich.
Toronto.
He believed this sacrifice was temporary.
Two years.
Then calm.
At home, Beatrice became bolder.
Audra was asked to eat separately during “family business dinners.”
“But I’m family.”
Beatrice smiled.
“This is shareholder family.”
At holidays, Caleb was positioned edge of photos.
Once photographer said:
“Everyone closer.”
Beatrice stopped him.
“Blood family first.”
Caleb stepped away.
Audra stood immediately.
“Then I’m out too.”
Beatrice’s face hardened.
“Don’t be dramatic.”
Audra took Caleb’s hand.
They left photo.
That night Caleb asked:
“Am I really Dad’s son?”
Audra’s heart broke.
“Yes.”
“Grandma says I’m not.”
“Grandma is wrong.”
“Why doesn’t Dad tell her?”
“He would.”
“Then why doesn’t he?”
Audra had no answer.
Because he didn’t know.
Because she never told.
Caleb said:
“Can I call him?”
Grant was in Frankfurt.
Audra looked at clock.
2 a.m. there.
“Tomorrow.”
Tomorrow became another day.
May you like
Another trip.
Another silence.
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