Chapter 17 - A Humble Apology
Three weeks after the foreclosure, Vada received an unexpected visitor at the Barlow Tower reception desk.
Security called up to her office, informing her that an elderly woman requesting to see her—a woman who looked disheveled, broken, and worn down by the harsh realities of the world.
Vada descended in the private elevator to the building's quiet mezzanine lounge. There, sitting rigidly on a velvet sofa, was Eleanor. Her expensive Chanel blazer was stained, her hair unstyled, and her arrogant posture completely gone.
When she saw Vada walking toward her wearing a sharp, elegant navy blue executive suit, Eleanor visibly shrank into the cushions.
"Vada..." Eleanor choked out, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes. "Please... I am begging you. Look at what has happened to us. We have nothing left. We are facing criminal charges, and we are starving."
Vada stopped a few feet away, her expression neutral and composed. She didn't feel anger, nor did she feel joy; she only felt an immense, quiet distance.
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"You're in the wrong building, Mother," Vada said softly. "If you need legal assistance, you need a criminal defense attorney, not a corporate restructuring director."
"You work with Mr. Barlow!" Eleanor sobbed, clasping her hands together in a desperate plea. "You have pull in this company! Please, Vada, buy back Meadowlark Hall! Give us our home back! We are your family!"
