Chapter 3 - The Boy With the Fever
On the morning of the Royal Crest opening, Mason woke with a fever.
Elena placed a cool cloth on his forehead and called Daniel.
He answered after the fourth attempt.
“What?”
“Mason is sick.”
“I’m in the middle of the biggest day of my career.”
“His temperature is rising. We may need to take him to a doctor.”
“Then take him.”
“You asked us to attend the hotel ceremony.”
Daniel sighed.
“I asked you because investors expect to see a family. If you don’t come, people will ask questions.”
Elena looked at Mason, who lay beneath a blanket on the sofa.
“He needs rest.”
“Give him medicine and bring him for an hour.”
“He isn’t a decoration for your investors.”
“And you aren’t the only person making sacrifices.”
The call ended.
Elena stared at the phone.
Mason opened his eyes.
“Is Dad mad?”
“No.”
“I can still go.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I want to see his hotel.”
The pride in his voice broke her heart.
Mason still believed Daniel was a hero.
Elena gave him the correct dose of fever medicine and decided they would attend briefly. If he became weaker, she would leave immediately.
Before departing, she received a message from Victor Harrington.
I heard you may be attending the Royal Crest opening. Be careful.
Elena frowned.
Her father rarely commented on Daniel’s work.
Why?
She typed the question but did not send it.
For months, Victor had tried to repair their strained relationship. He had apologized for controlling her education, relationships, and career. He admitted that his fear of losing her had driven her away.
Elena had slowly allowed him back into Mason’s life.
Daniel knew she occasionally met her estranged father, but he believed Victor was a retired accountant living outside the city.
Elena never corrected him.
At the Royal Crest, cameras flashed as Daniel welcomed his family.
For a moment, he became the charming man she had married.
He kissed Elena’s cheek and lifted Mason into his arms.
“There’s my little man.”
Mason smiled weakly.
Behind Daniel, Vanessa wore a silver dress.
Her hand rested against Daniel’s back with the familiarity of someone who had touched him many times before.
Elena noticed.
So did Vanessa.
Neither woman spoke.
During the ceremony, Daniel praised his employees, investors, and “the people who stood beside him.”
He never mentioned Elena.
Mason leaned against her.
“Mom, I’m cold.”
Elena touched his forehead.
His fever was worse.
“We’re leaving.”
As she turned toward the exit, the chandeliers began to sway.
A glass tipped over on a nearby table.
Then every light in the hotel flickered.
May you like
A deep roar rose from beneath the floor.
The earthquake had begun.
