Twenty-five years later…
Soft classical music played in the hotel's ballroom as rich and important people mingled and talked. The mood was perfect for chatting — the men were busy making new connections, while the women shared their usual gossip.
Why were they all here? Today was a special day: the Sterling Group was celebrating its thirtieth anniversary. The Sterling Group was one of the biggest and most powerful companies in the country. Everyone wanted to be seen supporting them and hoped to get on their good side. After all, who wouldn't want to have dinner with the wealthy?
But that wasn't the only reason many had come. Most families had brought their daughters — girls of marriage age. The CEO and heir of the Sterling Group was one of the most eligible bachelors around, and everyone had heard he would be here tonight.
So, all the socialites looked their best, dressed beautifully, hoping to catch the eye of a man they didn't know much about — only that he was the rich heir to a fortune. Because, really, what mother wouldn't dream of her child living a life of luxury? It was a wish that came true.
Arranged marriages were not a foreign concept in their world and love was an abomination if it went below their standard. Every mother out there was in their guards, their hawk-like eyes scanning the ballroom - and their competitions - and waiting for the moment Jude Sterling makes his appearance, and then they can swoop on him like an eagle snatching a baby chick.
Hence, the instant Madelyn Sterling was seen in the crowd conversing with the guests, all of them switched to plan B. If they can't get the son, they can get through to the mother. Women understand themselves better, right? So they slowly began to drift in the direction of the woman like little fishes in the ocean.
Madelyn knew the night would be a long one, but she had underestimated the word, "Long" because now, she was close to fainting. She never thought that there would be so many people in attendance and when she wasn't discussing business with the men, she was answering the women hoping to make a connection with her and inviting her to one social function or the other.
But Madelyn was not deluded by their kind smiles and faces knowing deep down that all of them had their ulterior motives and ninety percent of it seemed to revolve around her son. Madelyn was a woman too and understood the games being played here. The women who came to her with their daughters introduced themselves to her, explaining their daughters unique strength and attributes while the girl remained silent and on her best behavior, hoping to impress her.
They wanted her to match her son with one of their girls, only that it wasn't going to happen. Madelyn did not keep her son alive for twenty-five years only to marry him to one of the girls who bows nicely with a good smile.
After losing her husband and raising her son all by herself, the woman became resilient and seems to have developed an ability to see through people. So far, none of the girls impressed her, although she did keep a smile on through the whole ordeal. It was common courtesy. A skill she learned was efficient while dealing with people.
She could see through their facade that the girls were rude, fake, sophisticated, and high-class. The few who looked decent enough were in it only for what they could get from the union and that wasn't enough for Madelyn. None of them loved her son as she loved him. None of them would go through the length she had gone to protect him. And the icing on the top, her son would be the one choosing his bride and she could see that happening in a million years to come.
So the woman had nothing to worry about like one of them seducing her son and trying to use that excuse to get into the family. Jude knew the situation he was in and the consequences of letting anyone come too close to him. They all die and he has learned his lessons over the years.
"So my daughter Alicia graduated summa cum laude from Harvard. She has a bachelor's degree in business administration, a skill I believe would be needed in a daughter-in-law. She is capable enough to assist you in the family business and would be a strong support to her husband," This current mother was not exactly subtle in hiding her intention. At least, she's honest and not beating around the bush like the others, Madelyn had to give her that.
She answered," I appreciate the thought, however, I have enough workers to support me, and that's the need for division of labor. Moreover, my son Jude would be the one choosing his wife, I believe that this is the twenty-first century and not the middle ages."
The woman coughed to hide her embarrassment while her daughter, Alicia looked away, probably wishing for the ground to open up and swallow her.
Madelyn went on to say,"However, if you feel your daughter is capable enough, she can submit her CV to the company. You see, we are hiring interns at the moment."
The woman looked shocked at the thought that her daughter would have to serve as an intern. It was quite unfortunate, but that was the problem of the upper class who seemed to think their children were special and superior to the others. The hard truth, everybody is special.
While the woman was still reeling from the shock, Madelyn said to her with a polite smile, "Now if you would excuse me, I have a speech to give." And with those words, she left.
Madelyn climbed up the stage, walked over to the podium, and said a simple, "Hello," into the microphone, drawing their attention. The orchestra stopped and everyone turned to face her.
"I want to use this opportunity to thank
everyone that made out the time to attend this company's thirtieth anniversary. You see, this company has been a lifelong dream for my husband and me. But sadly, he passed away many years ago…"
The screen behind her suddenly lit up, displaying a picture of the late Mr. Declan Sterling and evoking different emotions among the onlookers. Some were genuinely touched by the photos while others put on a pitiful look for appearance's sake. Who cares if her husband died years ago? Plenty of people die every day.
"May his soul rest in peace, Amen," Madelyn was able to compose herself as she continued, "It wasn't easy to continue with the vision after my husband died, but I had hope, or rather someone gave me one."
Pride lit up Madelyn's face as she said, "Ladies and gentlemen, let's give it up for my son and the current CEO of Sterling Group, Jude Sterling!"
And all heads turned in his direction...