Chapter 4 — Andrew Finally Speaks
Andrew stepped away from his mother.
It was the first time anyone had ever seen him place distance between them.
He stopped beside Rebecca.
Then faced the ballroom.
"My wife has protected my pride for seven years."
He swallowed hard.
"Tonight..."
"I'm done letting her protect mine."
He turned toward Eleanor.
"You told everyone Rebecca worked in scheduling."
"You laughed every time someone praised my career."
"You erased hers."
His voice cracked.
"And I let you."
Rebecca looked at him quietly.
No anger.
No comfort.
Only truth.
Andrew continued.
"I thought avoiding conflict made me a good husband."
He shook his head.
"It made me a coward."
The words hit Eleanor harder than anything Rebecca had said.
"My own son..." Eleanor whispered.
"You choose her?"
Andrew answered without hesitation.
"No."
"I choose what's right."
The ballroom remained silent.
Then one officer began clapping.
Another joined.
Then another.
Within seconds...
The entire ballroom rose to its feet.
Not for the scandal.
Not for the humiliation.
For Rebecca.
The standing ovation lasted nearly a full minute.
Eleanor stood alone.
No applause.
May you like
No allies.
Only the sound of seven years collapsing around her.
