Chapter 20 - CATHERINE REFUSES TO BUY HER WAY BACKCatherine’s wealth became visible after media confirmed identity through leak.
Headline:
PRINCETON WAITRESS IDENTIFIED AS ALDER HEIRESS MISSING SINCE 2000
Lacey hated every word.
Waitress as before-poverty.
Heiress as after-worth.
She issued statement through Nora:
My name is Lacey Norwood. I ask that my employment, adoptive family, and personal relationships not be treated as plot points in a public inheritance story. I am grateful the missing-person case has been resolved. I will not give interviews.
Catherine released supporting:
Ms. Norwood’s privacy should be respected. She owes no public account of private history.
No daughter label.
Good.
Reporters contacted restaurant.
Manager shielded schedule.
Lacey temporarily moved to back-office training role? She chose two months, then returned service when attention faded.
Catherine could have offered job.
Foundation role.
Apartment.
Security.
She offered none unsolicited.
Lacey noticed.
One paparazzi-like freelancer followed.
Catherine’s security team wanted intervene.
Nora coordinated legal safety with Lacey consent.
Difference.
Catherine asked:
“Would you like temporary driver?”
“No.”
“Okay.”
Then:
“Would you like contact for security if harassment?”
“Yes.”
Choice.
Money can help when offered not imposed.
Lacey accepted that.
She also accepted trust funds and rented better apartment with doorman.
Not Catherine’s building.
Independent.
Ruth initially uncomfortable.
“That much money…”
“It was Jonathan’s.”
“I know.”
“Don’t make me feel guilty.”
“I won’t.”
Catherine never asked what Lacey spent.
Good.
At lunch Lacey teased:
“You’re doing remarkably well not buying me house.”
Catherine laughed.
“My therapist says I am unbearable when useful.”
“Accurate.”
“I did buy something.”
Lacey narrowed.
“A book.”
“Twenty-two dollars.”
“Can I give?”
“Yes.”
The book was used copy of children's story Catherine remembered reading to Lucy? Could be too sentimental. Better history of antique silver because Lacey asked.
Thoughtful.
Relationship built.
Catherine also lived.
She traveled to museum board meeting.
Went gardening.
Dinner with Helena after reconciliation.
Lacey saw.
Good.
She did not need mother waiting by phone.
May you like
Catherine had to have life.
This becomes final callback.
Related Stories
