Chapter 23 Neither a Discussion nor an Order, but a Threat
Five million dollars, barely worth a second glance to a man like Raymond.
And now, he’s being painted as money-hungry by this deceitful woman?
Paige wolf down her breakfast and move on to doing the dishes. Seemingly annoyed by Raymond’s slower pace, she quickly asked him, “I’m going to be late for work. Can you handle your own dishes?”
Raymond gave an almost imperceptible nod, unable to say he had never done dishes before.
After Paige hurriedly grabbed her things and left for work, Raymond had the house to himself, no need for the wheelchair. Finishing breakfast and contemplating the dishes, he wondered whether to wash them himself or summon someone from the old mansion to do it. He might as well give the house a thorough cleaning too, considering that the woman was laboring over two jobs; it's the least he could do.
Raymond chose to overlook her not coming home last night. He forgave her, for the time being, hiring help at Charles's recommendation to clean up the place.
After finishing her morning chores at the villa, Paige rushed to the care facility. But she had not anticipated the Sackler family car pulling up right beside her taxi.
As Xena Sackler assisted Margaret out of the car, Paige was also stepping out of her ride. After a quick glance, Margaret said, "Talk about timing. Xena, invite her over."
Nodding, Xena approached Paige.
Paige was unsure of their intentions, but she was adamant about seeing her mom today, come what may.
Xena came up to her and said, "You won the bet. Grandma accepted you meet her. Let’s go. No one here knows you, so you won’t get in without us."
Paige could probably find her own way, but right now all she wanted was to see her mother and find out how she was doing. Joining Margaret and Xena was the quickest way in.
Since the patients inside needed to relax, vehicles were not permitted in the facility area. Visitors complied with this regulation by parking outside and walking in to the facility.
Xena steadied Margaret as they made their way into the facility with Paige trailing behind them.
After a short walk, Margaret suddenly stopped and turned to Paige, "Now that you're married, when will you introduce me to your husband?"
Paige replied icily, "There's no need."
Margaret chuckled, "You're right, there's no need. I'm not particularly interested in meeting him. But I need to be sure he poses no threat to the Sacklers."
This comment infuriated Paige. She stepped quickly in front of Margaret, "The only threat to the Sackler family has always been me. You all manipulated my inheritance and had me wrongfully imprisoned. I've spent five years behind bars and now that I'm out, you're scared. Scared that because I had a history with Louis, I might actually marry him. So, you pressure me to break off the engagement and marry someone else.
Now, it's written plain as day on your faces; you're afraid I'll marry into a powerful family and pose a new threat. If it’s a threat you’re worried about, come at me. My husband, an innocent man who unwittingly married a woman like me, is just an ordinary guy with a disability. If you dare to make his life difficult for him, I'm telling you right now; you will meet consequences!"
The Sackler family's intentions were crystal clear to Paige; they wanted to cut off any chance of her rising up again. She understood this all too well.
This was why she kept a low profile. As long as her mother was under the care of the Sacklers, she had no choice but to play by their rules under the identity of Paige.
Today, Margaret and Xena's unexpected kindness in bringing her along signaled that they likely had another agenda. Paige knew they probably expected something from her in return.
That was all negotiable.
But if they planned to ensnare her husband as well, that was something she would never allow!
Margaret hadn't expected Paige to react so strongly at the mere mention of her 'disabled husband.' But she remained composed.
Xena, however, laughed, "I never imagined that after just a few days of marriage, the bond between you and your husband would be this strong. Already so protective!"
Margaret glanced at Xena and chided gently, "Xena, don't spout nonsense. That's how it should be between married couples."
Reaching out, she appeared set on taking Paige's hand, which prompted Paige to recoil swiftly in disgust. She took two steps back, troubled by Margaret's attempt to touch her.
What were these two up to? Their kindness was uncharacteristic; they had never shown her such warmth before. Today, not only had they taken her to see her mother, but Margaret was also making a strangely affectionate gesture. Paige felt a shiver down her spine, an eerie sense of unease overtaking her.
Without masking her suspicions, Paige confronted them, "So, what's the catch? For bringing me here today... there's gotta be something you want, right?"
Margaret, unfazed by Paige's repulsion to her touch, stepped forward and firmly grabbed her hand, feigning a tender tone.
"Paige, darling, you don't need to struggle so much in life. After all, you and Xena are siblings, right? While it's true that the Sackler family has been less than welcoming to you publicly, you and your sister share the same blood. It's been tough for the Sacklers, clinging on for three generations, barely getting by with just the women holding the fort. As your grandmother, it hasn't been easy, and for Xena, as the heir, it's even harder.
"I'm getting old. My greatest hope is for the Sackler family to thrive. I'm willing to let you back into the fold, but not overtly... you'll work from the shadows while Xena takes the lead. Together, as sisters, you could strengthen and build upon our legacy."
Paige never imagined Margaret would make such an offer. The talk of working in the light and shadows, are sugarcoated words for sure, meant nothing less than exploiting her for the dirty work Xena couldn't be seen doing. Five years ago, Paige might have been naive, but she hadn't lived in vain since then. They were planning to outsource all kind of dirty work Margaret wouldn't want to taint Xena with to her.
Snatching her hand away from Margaret's grip, Paige's expression turned steely, her voice chilled with forthrightness, "Is this a suggestion, or an order?"
Margaret let out a hearty laugh, "What are you saying? We're all family here. There's no need for orders or commands. Don't you want to see your mother more often? Paige, just agree, and you can see her whenever you wish. What do you say? Come back to us, okay?"
Paige understood all too well; this was neither a discussion nor an order, but a threat!
