Love Unspoken
Chapter 24
Ellis was sharp enough to recognize that if Abigail knew both Getty and Alexander, she likely hailed from a similar elite background.
The offer of thirty million was probably within her means. Abigail pulled Quinn into a seat next to her, crossed her legs confidently, and declared,” You guys talk about what you want. If thirty million isn’t enough, I can add more.”
For the first time, Ellis found himself overwhelmed by someone’s eagerness to spend money.
Getty interjected, “I’ll match whatever she pays. You’re not the only one here with money.”
Abigail looked at her with disdain. “You may have money, but is it really yours?”
“And is your money truly yours?” Getty snapped back.
“At least it belongs to my family, the Vanderbilts. I have my share, regardless of what I do. What about
you?
“You…” Getty was at a loss for words.
Ellis, attempting to quell the rising tension, raised his hand. “Ladies, please, let me just call Alexander.*
“Do that. Put it on speaker. We all want to hear this!” Abigail insisted, eager to see whether Alexander would indeed side with Getty.
Ellis, who didn’t have Alexander’s number, could only call his assistant.
After explaining the circumstances to the assistant, it became apparent that the issue was beyond his. authority; he had to consult Alexander.
“Alexander, Quinn and Getty are both interested in the same role. What’s your preference?” the assistant
asked.
Alexander, eyes on some documents, didn’t even look up. “Give it to Getty.”
“Uh…?” the assistant hesitated.
Alexander lifted his gaze sharply. Didn’t you hear me?”
“It’s just that Quinn-
“I said, Getty. Is that clear?” Alexander cut him off.
The assistant bowed his head, “Understood, I’ll handle it immediately.”
1/2
When Ellis got off the phone, she looked at Abigail with embarrassment.
“Abigail, I got a response from Alexander.”
Abigail could tell from his embarrassed expression what the decision was. “It’s for her, isn’t it? Ellis, it seems you favor Alexander’s decisions. Doesn’t the Vanderbilt family deserve equal consideration?”
Ellis was at a loss for words, visibly shaken and regretful. He hadn’t anticipated the complexity this situation would invoke, now caught between two influential families.
Quinn, realizing the decision, lowered her head in resignation. She felt Getty’s smug and scornful gaze on her. Without Alexander’s support, she had no leverage against Getty.
Quinn wanted to leave, but Abigail stood firm, insisting that they secure the role today. Getty was equally determined. Ellis and the marketing team discussed the dilemma at length but found themselves
at an impasse.
Ultimately, they had to escalate the matter, but the higher-ups distanced themselves, advising them to make a decision that would minimize backlash, even though it meant offending one of the parties.
The choice became apparent; Abigail’s influence was no match for Alexander’s. Alexander could wield the clout of his family, whereas Abigail represented only herself, not the entirety of the Vanderbilt
interests.
After careful consideration, Ellis regretfully informed them of the decision. “Abigail, I’m terribly sorry, but after careful discussion, we’ve decided to choose Getty as the spokesperson for our campaign.”
Abigail’s frustration boiled over. She slammed her hand on the table, standing abruptly. “What are you playing at? And Alexander-how does he factor into this? ! Is this how he treats his wife?”
Ellis, caught off guard by her reaction, stuttered, “Wife? Oh… Who- who is…” His eyes shifted to Quinn in confusion, beginning to suspect there was more to the situation than he realized.
Chapter Comments
Visitor
sometimes, just a simple word can get you caught up