Beneath The Veil

nches. She didn't flinch. After eighteen years under Eleanor Baldwin's roof,

ve, she still stood ramrod straight, silver hair perfectly coiffed, her Chanel suit impeccable despite the violence o

to keep her expression neutr

ttle. "That's all you've ever be

oil portraits of Baldwin ancestors that lined the walls. Judges, senators, industry titans, generations

marble floor a countdown to another explosion. "The Baldwin

r parents built this company with their blood and sweat. The least you

e with practiced precision. Eighteen years

," Esme whispered, her

irthday," Eleanor snapped. "If you hadn't insisted on that ridiculou

ry, Charles and Margaret Baldwin had died not because of a drunk driver who crossed the center line,

commanded, noddin

g page after page, with a small Post-it marking where she should sign. Clipped to the front was a photograp

topped. Kai

r announced, satisfaction lacing

she had misheard. "Mar

Eleanor straightened her pearl necklace. "The Waltons need our social connections and

ut

collapse thanks to your father's poor investments before he died. The Walto

efully, Esme. For once in your pathetic life, don't ruin this. Be charming. Be obedient. Be whatever he wa

anor controlled every aspect of her life, her trust fund, her residence

Eleanor's voice droppe

Grandm

cialite as she moved toward the door. "The wedding planner will be here tomorrow. I'

reathe. Her hands trembled as she pulled the photograph closer, tracing the

ir to the Walton Group. Notorious workaholic. Rumor

secretly in love with f

er while she was carrying a tray of champagne, steadying her before any could spill. For five brief seconds, his eyes had met her

successes, watching interviews where he discussed his philanthropic work. I

he was ma

o the photograph, allowing herself a small smile. "Ma