June 23, 1996.
The graduation of Amelia Rockefeller took p June 23, 1996. She was just a step away from being useful trandfather. At 18, and about to turn 19, she had not only one of the most prehensive basic educations but also a wealth of extracurricur skills. She could py the piano, practiced equestrianism, synized swimming, and tennis, and was fluent in both Frend Spanish.
At the same time, her mother had been teag her everything she knew about modeling. Amelia was the spoiled child of her parents, getting everything she wanted as long as her grandfather approved. At the graduation party, there were nobles, children of the wealthy, established families, and geniuses. It erhaps the most elitist school in all of Europe.
-Grandfather! - Amelia shouted, greeting the patriarch of the Rockefeller family. Beside him stood one of France's wealthiest merts, Vi Dassault. His son was in the same grade as Amelia. The gathering was exclusive, with only 50 graduates.
-My dear girl, we do not shout in public, - he reprimanded, making her blush. She immediately fell silent, refraining from giving any response. She was absorbed in her pse of de, and tried to mutter an "okay," but failed miserably.
She momentarily blocked out her education and nodded, rec her posure. Her radiant blonde hair was magnifit, plementing the figure she had ied from her mother. It was remarkable how this bold young woman became so timid in her grandfather's presence. She waited patiently as William Dommer tio speak sternly about market shifts and the rise of the Japanese ey.
Dassault, noting the impatience of youth, g his son with a sharp, somewhat resentful look. He ed up the versation with promises for future discussions aed.
-I must be off, - Vi said, shaking hands.
-So be it, - William replied with measured calm. At seventy, he atient but didertain deys.
Amelia smiled, g her fists tightly.
-We’ll talk after the ceremony, - William remarked.
-But... -
She was silenced by a single, furious look that demanded absolute obediehe scream she wao let out was swallowed, repced by a nod of respect. Her entire life had been shaped by fear, almost imprinted into her upbringing.
There were only two options: to rebel or to . Her older cousin chose rebellion and was pletely cast out—his allowa off, his es severed, from clubs to social gatherings. Essentially exunicated from the family, his pride cost him everything. He spent years living as middle css in a small apartment before beied and begging for a pce ba the family fold. Few are brave in life and the Rockefeller household.
The graduatio was stunning, and ostentatious from every ahe red and white gowns and caps were vibrant against the baroque school theater, adorned with life-filled artwork and a ceiling painting inspired by Goethe, representing the paradise of nihilism and art. The acoustics were brilliant, enhanced by lighting and courteous appuse.
-Do you know the differeweeh and education? - William Dommer asked his son as they observed Amelia’s graduation. - Education is necessary but doesn’t guarantee wealth—at least, not the kind we enjoy. It merely sustains what you have; it doesn’t grow it. Education allows those of lesser means to rise and earn their pce, but it is her wealth nor opportunity. -
-Of course, Father. But we’re doing well, - Augustus replied, reviewing pany ats and financial statements. The business was growing at an annual rate of 3%, steady and suffit food pace.
-Yes, - William said, restraining the urge to roll his eyes. His son’s obtuseness made him want to smash his head against the pavement.
-We do get seal with age, - William muttered, taking a breath and signaling to his butler to leave the event. It was 2:30 PM, and he o call a small friend in London about oil and gas prices.
Augustus pretended not to notice.
...
After the ceremony, there was a small cocktail gathering where families mingled, served drinks, and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres—apés, perhaps tuna-filled crackers, slices of raw salmon with mayonnaise and parsley.
-It’s not possible that you’d throw your life away for modeling. What nonsense! I pay for the best education and provide the fieachers, and you act like a fool, wanting to waste your future, and funting your body. Do you want to earn money as an escort? Charles, give her 30,000 to shut her up, - William Dommer decred, harsh and unyielding.
Amelia’s tears streamed untrolbly as she tried to silence her thoughts, fleeing to the bathroom to wash away her shame. Her cssmates whispered as they watched her closely, while she tried to hide beh her hair, trembling with fear of everything.
Her mother only shook her head at her father-in-w’s maniputions. He always tested everyone’s limits—their strength, their resilience.
-I’ll talk to her, - Shawn said, while her eldest son nodded, unwilling to interfere in their retionship.
-Mother, just leave her alone… She’ll uand ter, - Gee Dommer said.
-Don’t touch me, - Shawn snapped, swatting her son’s hand. He would never uand a woman’s suffering, armed with their power to dictate what was right .
“Damn men,” she muttered as she walked elegantly toward her daughter. She was a vision of mature beauty.
-My love, - Shawn whispered, taking Amelia in her arms and wiping away her streaked tears. Her red, swollen eyes glistened as she looked at her mother. All the strength she had moments before crumbled like a dam swept away by a raging river.
-It’s unfair, Mother. -
-It is, my dear. But we won’t let this bee an issue. Your mother has a pn. I know people who help us. You’ll make enough money and be free of yrandfather, - Shawn said, kissing her gently on the forehead.
-Then… - Amelia’s eyes shoh hope as she grasped the difficulty of being surrounded by wolves.
-Then trust your mother. I’ll do whatever it takes for you, my beautiful girl. Later, you bee a businesswoman, marry a rich athlete or celebrity, and travel the world… Anything you want, my sweet child, - Shawn assured her.
-Mommy, - Amelia murmured, her voice trembling. It was a bittersweet blow for Shawn, who endured her father-in-w’s maniputions while trying to py a game she couldirely prehend.
...
