Chapter 7 - The True Celebration
For three seconds, the Great Hall was completely motionless.
Then, Eleanor stepped up to the microphone, a bright, triumphant smile gracing her silver-framed face.
"Now," Eleanor announced warmly, her voice echoing joyfully through the speakers, "with the house cleared of unpleasant company, let us actually celebrate Christmas!"
The room seemed to exhale a collective sigh of relief.
Mrs. Gable was the first to move. She walked straight up to the stage, holding a glass of wine, and offered me a warm, genuine smile. "Natalie, my dear, that was the most magnificent display of justice I have seen in this county in thirty years. Your father was a pompous thief, and your mother was an insufferable snob. Welcome home."
Within moments, a line of guests formed near the stage. People who had kept their distance from me for years out of fear of offending my parents were suddenly eager to congratulate me, offer their support, and wish Eli a Merry Christmas.
Mayor Thomas walked up, shaking my hand warmly. "Natalie, the town board has been looking for a reason to review Whitmore Enterprises' commercial leases for months. Your father was overcharging local businesses. Under your leadership, I know we can finally do some real good for Pinehaven."
"Thank you, Mayor," I smiled. "We will begin restructuring the lease agreements first thing next week."
Meanwhile, Eli was currently sitting on a velvet sofa near the fireplace, surrounded by three catering staff members who were happily serving him a mountain of roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and a plate with four different kinds of Christmas cookies.
Grandma Eleanor sat down beside me at the head table, sipping her sherry.
"You held your ground beautifully, my darling," she murmured softly, taking my hand in hers. Her fingers were warm and strong.
"I couldn't have done it without you, Grandma," I said, leaning my head on her shoulder. "Why didn't you tell me you were transferring the firm to me?"
"Because," Eleanor said, looking out at the happy crowd, "I needed to see if you were ready to fight for yourself. For five years, you let them beat you down, Natalie. You thought that because your marriage failed, you were worthless. But tonight, when you brought Eli back through those doors, I saw Arthur’s fire in your eyes. You are a Whitmore. And this family belongs to you now."
May you like
I looked over at Eli, who was currently laughing as one of the quartet violinists played a silly rendition of "Jingle Bells" just for him. His cheeks were rosy from the heat of the fire, his eyes sparkling with pure, unadulterated joy.
The cold snow outside was still falling, whipping against the heavy glass windows of Cedar Ridge Lodge. But inside, for the first time in my life, I was finally warm.
