Then Julian says it.
“Lucy’s been offered a position,” he says, and I hear it before I process it, the pride in his voice. “She’s been asked to head the Whitaker Foundations.”
Elaine’s brows lift, and Richard scoffs. He doesn’t look at me. Not once.
“A North,” he says flatly, turning his attention fully to Julian, “even one married into the name, does not work for a Whitaker.”
The words sting more than I expect.
I open my mouth to respond, but Julian beats me to it.
“That’s Lucy’s decision,” he says evenly.
Richard waves it off. “Image matters. Alignment matters. What does it say that she has to go work for another man? What will people think?”
I push my napkin aside carefully. “I appreciate the concern,” I say calmly. “But I don’t believe my professional work diminishes the North name.”
Richard finally looks at me then. There’s a calculation there. Disinterest. Something colder.
Lunch arrives before he can respond.
My phone vibrates against the table.
Once.
Twice.
I glance down and see the treatment facility's number.
“Excuse me,” I say, already standing. “I need to take this.”
I don’t wait for permission. The hallway outside the dining room feels too narrow. I press the phone to my ear, heart racing.
“Yes?”
“Lucy,” the nurse says, voice careful. “Your mother is experiencing complications. We believe it may be a reaction to the medication adjustment. The doctor would like you here as soon as possible.”
The floor tilts.
“I’m on my way,” I say, already moving.
When I return to the table, Julian is on his feet before I speak.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s my mom,” I say, voice tight. “I have to go.”
“I’ll have the car meet us out front,” he says instantly, already reaching for his jacket.
“She can go,” Richard snaps. “We still have business to attend to.”
Julian doesn’t look at him.
“Business can wait,” he says calmly. “If Marianne is sick, that cannot.”
He turns to me. “Let’s go.”
I don’t miss the way Elaine looks at him then. Not in shock or disapproval, this is something softer. Something like pride, a tinge of sadness or maybe even grief.
