Chapter 10

Sarah's POV

The Sinclair's arrived promptly at four, ushered in by the housekeeper. Marko Sinclair, my father, entered first. Tall and silver-haired, his accountant’s posture rigid in a worn but respectable suit. Clara followed, my stepmother’s face pinched with perpetual disappointment, clutching her handbag like a shield. Ivy, my younger sister, trailed behind in a floral blouse.

Eleanor rose from her high-backed chair like a queen receiving supplicants, pearls glowing against her cream silk blouse. “Marko, Clara, Ivy, how kind of you to come on such short notice. Please, sit. We have much to discuss regarding Sarah’s recent performance.”

Adrian stood near the fireplace, briefcase set aside but his suit still crisp from the office. He offered a polite nod to my family, his hand brushing my shoulder briefly as he passed. “Good to see you all,” he murmured.

I swallowed hard as they settled across from me. Dad cleared his throat, avoiding my eyes. “Mrs. Moretti, we appreciate the invitation. When you mentioned the contract concerns, we came as quickly as we could.”

“Contract,” The word landed heavy in my stomach.

Eleanor steepled her fingers, her gaze sweeping the room before landing on me. “Sarah’s speech at the gala last night was quite out of point. It painted the Moretti name as oppressive. Reginald Voss himself commented on it. This cannot stand.”

Mom leaned forward first, her voice a mix of embarrassment and scolding. “Sarah, how could you? After everything this family has done for you. We raised you when your real mother walked out and left you outside the gate. And this is how you repay us? Embarrassing your husband in front of business leaders?”

I shifted, my voice soft but steady, not daring too much fire. “It wasn’t meant to embarrass anyone. I said exactly what was written in the script. I only added a few lines.”

Ivy snorted lightly, crossing her legs. “Always the victim, Sarah. Mom and Dad poured everything into keeping us together after she abandoned you. And you? You land this incredible marriage, security, status, and you throw it back in their faces with some additional speech? It’s selfish. Why not just do as you were told?”

Dad nodded gravely, his hands clasped. “Your sister’s right. We’ve all made sacrifices. That contract with the Moretti's, it saved our business from collapse. If Eleanor terminates it because of your outburst...” He trailed off, glancing at Eleanor with pleading eyes. “Please, Mrs. Moretti. Sarah didn’t mean it that way. She’s always been a bit... sensitive. She thought it wouldn't add any difference. But she’ll change. We’ll make sure of it.”

I bit my lip, fighting the urge to shrink. “I’m not trying to ruin anything. So I'm not allowed to go out, act as myself, and even give a speech as Moretti's wife? I wasn't trying to rebel. I was only contributing.”

Eleanor's laugh was soft. “Contributing? Darling, you contributed rubbish. Rash decisions are not allowed in the Moretti family. You should know that. This will be the last time I'll be complaining about you. Any further disturbance, I'll have to terminate the contract.”

Adrian cleared his throat then, stepping closer but not fully into the fray. He placed a hand on the back of my chair. “Sarah, Mother means well. She’s guided this family through worse. Just stick to what she wants. I don't really like all this drama going on lately.”

I scoffed lightly.

Clara reached across the coffee table, gripping my knee firmly. “Listen to your husband, Sarah. We beg you, Mrs. Eleanor, please don’t terminate the agreement. Our business relies on it. The loans, the investments... we’d have to refund everything, and we can’t. Sarah will change. She’ll apologize publicly if needed. Attend more fittings without complaint. Focus on being the wife Adrian deserves. No more distractions on unnecessary talks.”

Ivy piled on. “Yeah, sis. Remember how Dad always said you had to work twice as hard to make up for... well, your start in life? This marriage is your chance to prove you're worthy of our love. Don't throw it away please.”

The room pressed in. Marko added his own plea, voice cracking slightly. “Eleanor, please. Sarah’s young. The transition to this life has been an adjustment. But she’s family, ours and yours now. We’ll speak to her daily if needed. She’ll attend the next board event with prepared remarks. Supportive ones. Just... give her another chance.”

Eleanor sipped her tea, drawing out the silence until it vibrated. Her eyes flicked to me, expectant. “Well, Sarah? What do you say to your family’s concerns? They’ve come all this way to plead on your behalf.”

I felt small. My heart raced, but I kept my reply measured. “I’m sorry if it caused problems. I didn’t want to hurt the family or the business. I thought adding more sentences would make you proud. I’ll try to be more careful. For everyone.”

Adrian nodded approvingly, squeezing my shoulder. “See? She’s reasonable. Mother, the contract stands. Sarah just needs guidance. This will blow over if we present a united front at the next luncheon.”

The relief on the Sinclair's’ faces was palpable. Clara exhaled, patting my hand with forced affection. “Thank you, Eleanor. You’re too generous. Sarah, we’ll call you tonight to check up on you. And please always listen to your mother in-law.”

Marko stood, shaking Adrian’s hand firmly. “We appreciate your patience with her. She’ll make you proud.”

Ivy shot me a look as they were leaving. “Take care of yourself sis.”

As the door closed behind them, the room fell quiet. Eleanor excused herself with a final pointed glance, leaving Adrian and me alone. He sat beside me, loosening his tie.

“You handled that better than expected,” he said quietly. “I really don't like it when you argue with mom. I hope we fix it. Just... lean on us. No more solo stands.”

I nodded.

Adrian kissed my temple softly, and murmured, “Get some rest. We’ll talk more tonight,” before retreating to his study, leaving me alone.

Eleanor entered.

She reached into the side drawer of the antique desk and pulled out a single cream envelope, sliding it across the coffee table toward me with two manicured fingers.

“Before you retreat upstairs to lick your wounds, darling,” she said, “you should see this. It arrived this morning. From your little coffee friend.”

My stomach dropped as I picked it up. Inside was a picture. A picture of me holding hands with Kael.

Eleanor’s smile was razor-sharp. “One more misstep, Sarah. One more. And not only does the contract end... but Adrian receives the full archive. Every message. Every lingering hug caught by the security cameras outside that quaint little café will be uploaded online. Choose wisely, dear. The outcast role suits you far better than you think.”

She rose gracefully, leaving me frozen on my seat, the picture trembling in my hands as footsteps echoed down the hall.