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CAPITOLUL 1: PRE\u021aUL LIBERT\u0102\u021aII<\/p>\n\n\n\n
St\u0103team \u00een fa\u021ba ferestrelor uria\u0219e ale biroului meu de la etajul \u0219aizeci \u0219i cinci \u0219i priveam ora\u0219ul \u00eentins sub mine. Ultimele raze ale soarelui disp\u0103reau dincolo de port, iar str\u0103zile se transformau treptat \u00eentr-un ocean de lumini str\u0103lucitoare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Sub picioarele mele se \u00een\u0103l\u021ba Opeline, unul dintre cele mai exclusiviste hoteluri de lux din \u021bar\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fiecare coloan\u0103 de marmur\u0103, fiecare candelabru de cristal \u0219i fiecare dintre cele patru sute de apartamente elegante f\u0103ceau parte dintr-un imperiu pe care \u00eel construisem prin propriile puteri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Totu\u0219i, c\u00e2nd telefonul a vibrat pe birou, un singur mesaj mi-a amintit c\u0103, \u00een ochii familiei mele, eram \u00eenc\u0103 o fat\u0103 f\u0103r\u0103 valoare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mesajul era de la mama mea, Eleanor Sterling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u201eBlair, te avertizez pentru ultima dat\u0103. S\u0103 nu \u00eendr\u0103zne\u0219ti s\u0103 apari \u00een seara asta la cina aniversar\u0103 a tat\u0103lui t\u0103u, la Opeline. Vom primi investitori extrem de influen\u021bi. Prezen\u021ba ta nu ar face dec\u00e2t s\u0103 ne fac\u0103 de ru\u0219ine. Nu apar\u021bii acestei lumi. R\u0103m\u00e2i acolo unde \u00ee\u021bi este locul.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am citit mesajul de dou\u0103 ori.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apoi am z\u00e2mbit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nu pentru c\u0103 vorbele ei m\u0103 amuzau, ci pentru c\u0103 mama nu avea nici cea mai mic\u0103 idee cui \u00eei apar\u021binea cl\u0103direa \u00een care inten\u021biona s\u0103-\u0219i fac\u0103 apari\u021bia triumfal\u0103 \u00een acea sear\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cu zece ani \u00een urm\u0103, m\u0103 alungase din casa familiei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Aveam atunci dou\u0103zeci \u0219i doi de ani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Compania imobiliar\u0103 a tat\u0103lui meu era \u00een pragul falimentului. Datoriile erau uria\u0219e, b\u0103ncile \u00ee\u0219i pierduser\u0103 r\u0103bdarea, iar mama c\u0103uta cu disperare o solu\u021bie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Solu\u021bia ei fusese simpl\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voia s\u0103 m\u0103 m\u0103rite cu un om de afaceri \u00een v\u00e2rst\u0103 de \u0219aizeci \u0219i patru de ani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Era bogat, influent \u0219i cunoscut pentru cruzimea cu care \u00ee\u0219i trata so\u021biile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Trei dintre ele muriser\u0103 \u00een \u00eemprejur\u0103ri suspecte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar pentru Eleanor conta doar averea lui.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Te vei c\u0103s\u0103tori cu el, Blair, \u00eemi spusese ea atunci. Aceast\u0103 c\u0103s\u0103torie ne va salva familia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu \u00eel iubesc, r\u0103spunsesem. Abia dac\u0103 \u00eel cunosc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mama m\u0103 privise cu dispre\u021b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Iubire? Chiar crezi c\u0103 femeile din familii ca a noastr\u0103 se c\u0103s\u0103toresc din dragoste? Nu e\u0219ti deosebit de frumoas\u0103, nici de\u0219teapt\u0103 \u0219i nu ai realizat nimic. Ar trebui s\u0103 fii recunosc\u0103toare c\u0103 cineva este dispus s\u0103 te ia de so\u021bie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sora mea, Harper, st\u0103tea pe canapea \u0219i r\u00e2dea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Poate ar trebui s\u0103 te consideri norocoas\u0103, Blair. Dac\u0103 refuzi aceast\u0103 ocazie, probabil vei ajunge s\u0103 faci cur\u0103\u021benie \u00eentr-un hotel ieftin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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M\u0103 uitasem la tata.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Richard Sterling st\u0103tea \u00een fotoliul s\u0103u de piele \u0219i privea fix paharul cu whisky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Tat\u0103, \u0219optisem. Te rog, spune ceva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
El t\u0103cuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Iar t\u0103cerea lui m\u0103 duruse mai mult dec\u00e2t toate insultele mamei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen aceea\u0219i noapte, am p\u0103r\u0103sit proprietatea familiei cu dou\u0103 gen\u021bi \u0219i patruzeci \u0219i opt de dolari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nu aveam niciun plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nicio locuin\u021b\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Niciun prieten care s\u0103 m\u0103 poat\u0103 ajuta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar aveam ceva ce familia mea nu \u00een\u021belesese niciodat\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eram preg\u0103tit\u0103 s\u0103 \u00eencep de la zero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Primul loc de munc\u0103 l-am g\u0103sit \u00eentr-un motel d\u0103r\u0103p\u0103nat de la marginea ora\u0219ului.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cur\u0103\u021bam b\u0103i, schimbam lenjerii murdare \u0219i uneori munceam \u0219aisprezece ore pe zi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M\u00e2inile \u00eemi erau mereu r\u0103nite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noaptea studiam management hotelier \u0219i administrarea afacerilor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cenv\u0103\u021bam tot ce puteam despre aceast\u0103 industrie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dup\u0103 c\u00e2\u021biva ani, am devenit \u0219ef\u0103 de recep\u021bie, apoi directoare adjunct\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen cele din urm\u0103, am reu\u0219it s\u0103 conving investitori s\u0103 finan\u021beze primul meu hotel de tip boutique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dintr-un hotel au devenit trei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Din trei au devenit dou\u0103sprezece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u0218i, \u00een cele din urm\u0103, s-a n\u0103scut Opeline Hospitality, o companie evaluat\u0103 acum la miliarde de dolari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Familia mea nu \u0219tia nimic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Niciodat\u0103 nu se obosise s\u0103 m\u0103 caute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pentru ei, eram \u00eenc\u0103 fata care f\u0103cea cur\u0103\u021benie prin camerele hotelurilor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
O b\u0103taie u\u0219oar\u0103 \u00een u\u0219\u0103 mi-a \u00eentrerupt g\u00e2ndurile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Asistenta mea, Tasha, a intrat \u00een birou.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Doamn\u0103 Sterling, preg\u0103tirile pentru cina familiei dumneavoastr\u0103 au fost finalizate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Au sosit to\u021bi invita\u021bii?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Aproape to\u021bi. Mama dumneavoastr\u0103, sora dumneavoastr\u0103, Connor Vance \u0219i Preston Weller sunt deja aici. Tat\u0103l dumneavoastr\u0103 a\u0219teapt\u0103 \u00een salonul privat. Arthur Keating \u0219i avocatul s\u0103u, Miles Sutter, au sosit \u0219i ei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am \u00eencuviin\u021bat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arthur Keating era unul dintre cei mai puternici investitori din \u021bar\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mama voia s\u0103-l conving\u0103 \u00een acea sear\u0103 s\u0103-i \u00eemprumute familiei noastre cincizeci de milioane de dolari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen schimb, \u00eei oferise drept garan\u021bie presupuse participa\u021bii la Opeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Participa\u021bii pe care nu le de\u021binuse niciodat\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Mai este ceva, spuse Tasha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mi-a ar\u0103tat imaginile unei camere de supraveghere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pe ecran se vedea Preston Weller intr\u00e2nd \u00een arhiva companiei cu un card de acces furat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cendesa documente confiden\u021biale \u00eentr-o serviet\u0103 de piele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 S\u0103-l re\u021binem imediat? \u00eentreb\u0103 Tasha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am cl\u0103tinat din cap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu \u00eenc\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dar ne fur\u0103 documentele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218tiu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am luat de pe birou un plic sigilat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 S\u0103-l l\u0103s\u0103m s\u0103 cread\u0103 c\u0103 planul lui func\u021bioneaz\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apoi mi-am aranjat sacoul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00cen seara asta, familia mea va afla \u00een sf\u00e2r\u0219it cui \u00eei apar\u021bine acest hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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CAPITOLUL 2: FEMEIA CARE NU ERA BINE-VENIT\u0102<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Holul principal al hotelului Opeline era sc\u0103ldat \u00eentr-o lumin\u0103 cald\u0103, aurie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Candelabre uria\u0219e de cristal at\u00e2rnau din tavanul \u00eenalt. Podeaua era din marmur\u0103 italian\u0103, iar parfumul florilor proaspete umplea aerul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oameni de afaceri, diploma\u021bi \u0219i c\u0103l\u0103tori boga\u021bi discutau \u00een \u0219oapt\u0103 \u00een zonele elegante de relaxare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A\u0219 fi putut folosi liftul privat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen schimb, am intrat \u00een hotel pe u\u0219a principal\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voiam s\u0103 v\u0103d cum avea s\u0103 reac\u021bioneze familia mea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harper m-a observat prima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Purta o rochie lung\u0103 din m\u0103tase ro\u0219ie \u0219i diamantele bunicii noastre decedate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
L\u00e2ng\u0103 ea st\u0103tea Eleanor, \u00eentr-o rochie de designer, gri-\u00eenchis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
C\u00e2nd Harper m-a v\u0103zut, chipul i s-a schimonosit de dezgust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Mam\u0103, uite cine a ap\u0103rut!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eleanor s-a \u00eentors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Expresia i s-a \u00een\u0103sprit imediat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Blair! Ce cau\u021bi aici?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Bun\u0103 seara, mam\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u021ai-am interzis categoric s\u0103 vii!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Vreau s\u0103-i urez tatei la mul\u021bi ani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harper a izbucnit \u00eentr-un r\u00e2s batjocoritor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00cembr\u0103cat\u0103 a\u0219a?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M-a m\u0103surat din cap p\u00e2n\u0103 \u00een picioare, analiz\u00e2ndu-mi costumul simplu, croit la comand\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 L-ai cump\u0103rat de la vreun magazin second-hand? Ar\u0103\u021bi ca o angajat\u0103 care \u00eencearc\u0103 s\u0103 se dea drept \u0219efa ei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Am z\u00e2mbit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 A\u0219a crezi?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Blair, \u00eenceteaz\u0103 s\u0103 te faci de r\u00e2s, spuse Eleanor. \u00cen seara asta avem negocieri de afaceri importante. Oameni ca Arthur Keating nu socializeaz\u0103 cu femei ca tine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Femei ca mine?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218tii foarte bine la ce m\u0103 refer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harper \u0219i-a \u00eencruci\u0219at bra\u021bele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Tu cure\u021bi camere de hotel, Blair. Noi facem parte din \u00eenalta societate. Exist\u0103 o diferen\u021b\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
C\u00e2\u021biva oaspe\u021bi s-au \u00eentors spre noi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harper le-a observat aten\u021bia \u0219i a ridicat inten\u021bionat vocea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Paza!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am privit-o calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Harper, chiar nu este necesar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ba da! Nu voi permite s\u0103 ne faci de ru\u0219ine \u00een fa\u021ba invita\u021bilor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I-a f\u0103cut semn unui angajat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Chema\u021bi imediat \u0219eful securit\u0103\u021bii! Femeia aceasta ne h\u0103r\u021buie\u0219te familia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eleanor a \u00eencuviin\u021bat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218i asigura\u021bi-v\u0103 c\u0103 p\u0103r\u0103se\u0219te cl\u0103direa. Nu are ce c\u0103uta aici.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
C\u00e2teva clipe mai t\u00e2rziu, Marcus, \u0219eful echipei mele de securitate, a ap\u0103rut \u00eenso\u021bit de trei agen\u021bi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harper a z\u00e2mbit triumf\u0103toare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00cen sf\u00e2r\u0219it! Scoate\u021bi-o imediat afar\u0103!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marcus s-a oprit \u00een fa\u021ba mea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u0218i-a \u00eenclinat respectuos capul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Bun\u0103 seara, doamn\u0103 pre\u0219edint\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harper a amu\u021bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marcus a continuat:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Echipa de securitate este preg\u0103tit\u0103. Invita\u021bii dumneavoastr\u0103 se afl\u0103 deja la etajul Skyline. De asemenea, l-am supravegheat, conform instruc\u021biunilor, pe b\u0103rbatul suspect din arhiva companiei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eleanor l-a privit fix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ce a\u021bi spus?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marcus s-a \u00eentors spre ea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Am salutat-o pe proprietara noastr\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Proprietara? repet\u0103 Harper ne\u00eencrez\u0103toare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Da. Domni\u0219oara Blair Sterling este fondatoarea, directoarea general\u0103 \u0219i ac\u021bionara majoritar\u0103 a Opeline Hospitality Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nimeni nu a mai spus nimic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harper a deschis gura, dar nu a reu\u0219it s\u0103 scoat\u0103 niciun sunet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mama a devenit alb\u0103 ca varul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Asta\u2026 asta nu se poate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am privit-o lini\u0219tit\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ba da, mam\u0103. Se poate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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CAPITOLUL 3: ADEV\u0102RUL DIN SPATELE U\u0218ILOR DE STICL\u0102<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Eleanor a cl\u0103tinat \u00eencet din cap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dar tu ai lucrat \u00eentr-un motel ieftin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Da.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai cur\u0103\u021bat b\u0103i.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Adev\u0103rat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nici m\u0103car nu aveai bani pentru o locuin\u021b\u0103 decent\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218i asta este adev\u0103rat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am f\u0103cut o scurt\u0103 pauz\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Dar \u00een timp ce tu erai ocupat\u0103 s\u0103 m\u0103 dispre\u021buie\u0219ti, eu am \u00eenv\u0103\u021bat cum se construie\u0219te o companie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harper \u0219i-a mutat privirea de la Marcus la mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Este o minciun\u0103. Nu are cum s\u0103 de\u021bin\u0103 hotelul acesta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marcus a r\u0103mas perfect serios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Domni\u0219oara Sterling de\u021bine nou\u0103zeci \u0219i dou\u0103 la sut\u0103 din ac\u021biunile companiei. Aceast\u0103 cl\u0103dire face parte din portofoliul s\u0103u imobiliar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Connor Vance, care tocmai ie\u0219ea din bar, s-a oprit brusc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ce se \u00eent\u00e2mpl\u0103 aici?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harper l-a apucat de bra\u021b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Connor, omul acesta sus\u021bine c\u0103 Opeline \u00eei apar\u021bine lui Blair!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Connor m-a privit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apoi s-a uitat la Marcus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen cele din urm\u0103, a \u0219optit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dumnezeule\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mama s-a apropiat cu un pas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Blair, de ce nu ne-ai spus?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aproape c\u0103 mi-a venit s\u0103 r\u00e2d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 C\u00e2nd a\u0219 fi putut s\u0103-\u021bi spun? \u00cen timpul convorbirilor telefonice pe care nu le-ai f\u0103cut niciodat\u0103? Sau la cinele de familie la care nu am fost invitat\u0103?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014 Noi credeam\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Credea\u021bi c\u0103 am e\u0219uat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eleanor \u0219i-a cobor\u00e2t privirea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Au existat ne\u00een\u021belegeri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu, mam\u0103. Au existat alegeri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M-am uitat la Harper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 A\u021bi ales s\u0103 crede\u021bi c\u0103 nu valorez nimic. A\u021bi ales s\u0103 m\u0103 \u0219terge\u021bi din vie\u021bile voastre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apoi m-am \u00eentors spre Marcus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 V\u0103 rog s\u0103-mi conduce\u021bi familia \u00een salonul privat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Desigur, doamn\u0103 pre\u0219edint\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harper a p\u0103rut brusc panicat\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Blair, a\u0219teapt\u0103. Trebuie s\u0103 vorbim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Vom vorbi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am p\u0103\u0219it \u00een lift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Sus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
U\u0219ile s-au \u00eenchis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pe ecran a ap\u0103rut din nou Preston Weller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00centre timp, furase mai multe documente ale companiei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Chiar crede c\u0103 va sc\u0103pa nepedepsit, spuse Tasha prin interfon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218i eu cred asta, am r\u0103spuns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Cel pu\u021bin pentru \u00eenc\u0103 c\u00e2teva minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
## CAPITOLUL 4: O CIN\u0102 DE CINCIZECI DE MILIOANE DE DOLARI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Salonul privat de la etajul Skyline oferea o priveli\u0219te spectaculoas\u0103 asupra portului.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
O mas\u0103 lung\u0103 din lemn de nuc \u00eenchis la culoare ocupa centrul \u00eenc\u0103perii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tac\u00e2muri de argint, por\u021belan fin \u0219i pahare de cristal erau aranjate cu grij\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tat\u0103l meu st\u0103tea singur la cap\u0103tul mesei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
C\u00e2nd l-am v\u0103zut, am sim\u021bit cum mi se str\u00e2nge inima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Richard \u00eemb\u0103tr\u00e2nise mult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Umerii \u00eei erau adu\u0219i, iar chipul \u00eei devenise slab \u0219i obosit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Privea fix paharul din fa\u021ba lui, de parc\u0103 g\u00e2ndurile \u00eei erau foarte departe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
La cel\u0103lalt cap\u0103t al mesei se aflau Arthur Keating \u0219i avocatul s\u0103u, Miles Sutter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
C\u00e2nd Arthur m-a observat, s-a ridicat imediat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Blair!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A venit spre mine z\u00e2mbind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ce surpriz\u0103! \u00cencerc de luni \u00eentregi s\u0103 ob\u021bin o \u00eent\u00e2lnire cu tine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mi-a str\u00e2ns m\u00e2na cu c\u0103ldur\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 M\u0103 bucur enorm s\u0103 te rev\u0103d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Miles Sutter s-a ridicat \u0219i el.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Domni\u0219oar\u0103 Sterling, este o onoare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eleanor, care tocmai intrase \u00een \u00eenc\u0103pere, a \u00eencremenit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arthur i-a observat nedumerirea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu o cunoa\u0219te\u021bi pe Blair?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nimeni nu a r\u0103spuns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Este una dintre cele mai impresionante femei de afaceri pe care le cunosc, explic\u0103 el. Grupul ei hotelier a transformat industria \u00een doar c\u00e2\u021biva ani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apoi \u0219i-a \u00eencruntat spr\u00e2ncenele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Totu\u0219i, acum exist\u0103 ceva ce nu \u00een\u021beleg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
S-a \u00eentors spre Eleanor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ieri mi-a\u021bi spus c\u0103 familia dumneavoastr\u0103 de\u021bine pachetul majoritar de ac\u021biuni la Opeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eleanor a deschis gura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Arthur, pot s\u0103 explic\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen acel moment, u\u0219ile au fost \u00eempinse violent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marcus l-a adus \u00een\u0103untru pe Preston Weller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preston \u00ee\u0219i str\u00e2ngea servieta de piele la piept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Da\u021bi-mi drumul! strig\u0103 el.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marcus a a\u0219ezat servieta pe mas\u0103 \u0219i a deschis-o.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mai multe documente au c\u0103zut afar\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am luat unul dintre ele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Interesant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arthur s-a apropiat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ce este?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 O presupus\u0103 hot\u0103r\u00e2re a consiliului de administra\u021bie, am explicat. Potrivit acesteia, Harper Sterling a fost numit\u0103 ieri vicepre\u0219edint\u0103 a Opeline Hospitality Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I-am ar\u0103tat semn\u0103tura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Iar aceasta ar trebui s\u0103 fie semn\u0103tura mea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Miles a luat documentul \u0219i l-a examinat atent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Un fals evident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am ridicat o alt\u0103 h\u00e2rtie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218i aici avem un acord prin care Opeline urma s\u0103 fie folosit drept garan\u021bie pentru un \u00eemprumut de cincizeci de milioane de dolari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arthur a devenit foarte serios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Eleanor?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mama a r\u0103mas t\u0103cut\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 A\u021bi \u00eencercat s\u0103-mi oferi\u021bi drept garan\u021bie o proprietate care nici m\u0103car nu v\u0103 apar\u021bine?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harper a \u00eenceput s\u0103 pl\u00e2ng\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 A fost ideea lui Preston!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preston s-a \u00eentors brusc spre ea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ideea mea? Tu m-ai implorat s\u0103 fac rost de bani!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Mi-ai spus c\u0103 totul este legal!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Tu ai spus c\u0103 sora ta este o menajer\u0103 proast\u0103 care nu va observa niciodat\u0103 nimic!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am a\u0219ezat documentele pe mas\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Destul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To\u021bi au t\u0103cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
L-am privit pe Arthur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00cemi pare r\u0103u c\u0103 ai fost implicat \u00een aceast\u0103 situa\u021bie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
El a cl\u0103tinat din cap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu trebuie s\u0103-\u021bi ceri scuze, Blair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apoi s-a \u00eentors spre Miles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Contacta\u021bi avoca\u021bii no\u0219tri. Vreau o investiga\u021bie complet\u0103 asupra tuturor companiilor asociate acestei familii \u0219i lui Preston Weller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eleanor s-a repezit \u00eenainte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Arthur, te rog! Nu am vrut s\u0103 facem r\u0103u nim\u0103nui!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 A\u021bi \u00eencercat s\u0103 m\u0103 \u00een\u0219ela\u021bi cu cincizeci de milioane de dolari, r\u0103spunse el rece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Asta nu este o ne\u00een\u021belegere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u0218i-a luat haina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ne vedem cur\u00e2nd, Blair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apoi a p\u0103r\u0103sit \u00eenc\u0103perea \u00eempreun\u0103 cu Miles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
U\u0219ile s-au \u00eenchis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harper s-a pr\u0103bu\u0219it pe podea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Connor \u0219i-a ascuns fa\u021ba \u00een m\u00e2ini.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preston a fost escortat afar\u0103 de agen\u021bii de securitate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Iar tat\u0103l meu m-a privit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Blair?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vocea \u00eei tremura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ce s-a \u00eent\u00e2mplat cu familia noastr\u0103?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CAPITOLUL 5: CASA PE CARE O PIERDUSER\u0102<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M-am apropiat \u00eencet de tata.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 A\u0219az\u0103-te, tat\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
S-a l\u0103sat pe un scaun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu \u00een\u021beleg nimic, \u0219opti el.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Eleanor mi-a spus c\u0103 nu mai vrei s\u0103 ai leg\u0103tur\u0103 cu noi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M-am uitat la mama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Asta \u021bi-a spus?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Richard a \u00eencuviin\u021bat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 A spus c\u0103 \u00eemi ignori apelurile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Tat\u0103, nu am primit niciodat\u0103 vreun apel de la tine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M-a privit surprins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Cum?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Mama s-a asigurat c\u0103 apelurile tale nu ajung la mine. Iar scrisorile pe care \u021bi le-am trimis au fost interceptate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Richard s-a \u00eentors spre Eleanor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Este adev\u0103rat?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ea \u0219i-a cobor\u00e2t privirea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chipul tat\u0103lui meu s-a schimbat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Era ca \u0219i cum ar fi \u00een\u021beles pentru prima dat\u0103 cu cine tr\u0103ise \u00een to\u021bi ace\u0219ti ani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am scos din geant\u0103 plicul crem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u021ai-am adus un cadou de ziua ta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
L-a luat cu grij\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00cen\u0103untru se aflau mai multe documente.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Primul este actul de proprietate al unui domeniu de l\u00e2ng\u0103 Santa Barbara, am explicat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Are o podgorie, o livad\u0103 \u0219i o cas\u0103 minunat\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Richard a r\u0103sfoit documentele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Blair\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00ce\u021bi apar\u021bine, tat\u0103. Este pl\u0103tit integral. F\u0103r\u0103 datorii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lacrimile i-au umplut ochii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 De ce ai face asta pentru mine?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am z\u00e2mbit trist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Pentru c\u0103 atunci c\u00e2nd eram copil m-ai \u00eenv\u0103\u021bat s\u0103 citesc planuri de construc\u021bie. M-ai dus pe \u0219antiere \u0219i mi-ai ar\u0103tat cum se ridic\u0103 o cas\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am \u00eenghi\u021bit cu greu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu ai fost \u00eentotdeauna un tat\u0103 bun. Dar mi-ai oferit ceva ce nimeni nu mi-a putut lua.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Richard a \u00eenceput s\u0103 pl\u00e2ng\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00cemi pare r\u0103u, Blair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mi-am a\u0219ezat m\u00e2na peste a lui.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Te rog s\u0103 cite\u0219ti \u0219i al doilea document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A \u00eentors pagina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Deodat\u0103 a \u00eencremenit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Oakridge Manor?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ochii i s-au m\u0103rit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 O executare silit\u0103?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am \u00eencuviin\u021bat \u00eencet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Mama a luat acum doi ani un credit ipotecar de dou\u0103sprezece milioane de dolari, garantat cu proprietatea familiei.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Richard a privit-o fix pe Eleanor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ce?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u021ai-a falsificat procura, am explicat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Banii au fost folosi\u021bi pentru a finan\u021ba compania lui Harper \u0219i afacerile lui Connor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Eleanor! strig\u0103 Richard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Cum ai putut face a\u0219a ceva?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mama a \u00eenceput s\u0103 pl\u00e2ng\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Am vrut doar s\u0103 ne salvez familia!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai ipotecat casa noastr\u0103!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Am crezut c\u0103 vom putea restitui banii!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Am intervenit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Pl\u0103\u021bile au \u00eencetat acum patru luni. S\u0103pt\u0103m\u00e2na viitoare, casa ar fi fost scoas\u0103 la licita\u021bie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Richard a l\u0103sat documentul s\u0103-i cad\u0103 \u00een poal\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Atunci am pierdut totul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu chiar, am spus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
El \u0219i-a ridicat privirea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Am cump\u0103rat crean\u021ba ipotecar\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
S-a l\u0103sat t\u0103cerea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ce vrei s\u0103 spui?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Am preluat \u00eentreaga datorie. Dou\u0103sprezece milioane de dolari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am ar\u0103tat spre ultima pagin\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Drepturile creditorului apar\u021bin acum companiei mele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Richard a citit numele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opeline Commercial Asset Trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sub el se afla semn\u0103tura mea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eleanor m-a privit fix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Tu\u2026 tu controlezi acum Oakridge Manor?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am \u00eencuviin\u021bat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Da.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ea a f\u0103cut un pas \u00eenapoi, cl\u0103tin\u00e2ndu-se.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am privit-o direct \u00een ochi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Asta \u00eenseamn\u0103, mam\u0103, c\u0103 \u00een momentul acesta locuie\u0219ti \u00een casa mea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CAPITOLUL 6: \u00ceNTOARCEREA REGINEI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eleanor a \u00eenceput s\u0103 tremure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pentru o clip\u0103 p\u0103rea c\u0103 se va pr\u0103bu\u0219i.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apoi expresia i s-a schimbat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dintr-odat\u0103 a z\u00e2mbit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Blair\u2026 feti\u021ba mea drag\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
S-a apropiat de mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Am \u0219tiut \u00eentotdeauna c\u0103 e\u0219ti special\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am r\u0103mas t\u0103cut\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ne-ai salvat familia! strig\u0103 ea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai salvat casa!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mi-a apucat m\u00e2inile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Acum putem repara totul. Vom fi din nou o familie adev\u0103rat\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harper \u0219i-a ridicat capul plin\u0103 de speran\u021b\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Blair, ai putea s\u0103 m\u0103 aju\u021bi s\u0103-mi salvez compania. Am nevoie doar de un mic \u00eemprumut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 C\u00e2t? am \u00eentrebat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Zece milioane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am privit-o \u00eendelung.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apoi am r\u00e2s \u00eencet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Zece milioane de dolari reprezint\u0103 pentru tine un \u00eemprumut mic?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harper s-a \u00eenro\u0219it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dar tu ai at\u00e2t de mul\u021bi bani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218i de aceea crezi c\u0103 \u00ee\u021bi apar\u021bin?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A t\u0103cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eleanor mi-a str\u00e2ns m\u00e2na.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Blair, suntem familia ta. Avem acela\u0219i s\u00e2nge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mi-am retras \u00eencet m\u00e2na.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Acela\u0219i s\u00e2nge?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am privit-o pe mama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Acum zece ani m-ai dat afar\u0103 din cas\u0103 pentru c\u0103 am refuzat s\u0103 m\u0103 c\u0103s\u0103toresc cu un b\u0103rbat de care \u00eemi era fric\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A deschis gura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar am continuat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Mi-ai spus c\u0103 nu valorez nimic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Blair, te rog\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai spus c\u0103 \u00eentr-o zi voi ajunge menajer\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vocea mi-a r\u0103mas calm\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218tii care este ironia?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eleanor m\u0103 privea fix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ai avut dreptate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harper \u0219i-a ridicat capul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ce?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Chiar am \u00eenceput ca femeie de serviciu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am f\u0103cut o pauz\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dar nu mi-am petrecut toat\u0103 via\u021ba muncind pentru al\u021bii. Am \u00eenv\u0103\u021bat cum s\u0103-mi construiesc propriul imperiu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eleanor a \u00eenceput din nou s\u0103 pl\u00e2ng\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Te rog, Blair. Nu po\u021bi pur \u0219i simplu s\u0103 ne dai afar\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am privit-o.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 M\u00e2ine diminea\u021b\u0103, la ora opt, echipa mea de securitate va ajunge la Oakridge Manor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fa\u021ba i s-a albit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ce?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u00cencuietorile vor fi schimbate. Lucrurile personale ale tatei vor fi transportate la Santa Barbara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218i lucrurile noastre? \u00eentreb\u0103 Harper panicat\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Tot ce v\u0103 apar\u021bine legal pute\u021bi lua cu voi. Bunurile care fac obiectul unor sechestre pentru datorii sau fraude vor fi gestionate conform procedurilor judiciare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eleanor a cl\u0103tinat disperat\u0103 din cap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Unde vom locui?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Asta nu mai este responsabilitatea mea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harper a \u00eenceput s\u0103 suspine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu mai am bani!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am privit-o.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Atunci caut\u0103-\u021bi un loc de munc\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Un loc de munc\u0103?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Da, Harper. Un loc de munc\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M-a privit \u00eengrozit\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nu po\u021bi s\u0103 te a\u0219tep\u021bi s\u0103\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 S\u0103 ce?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mi-am \u00eenclinat capul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 S\u0103 cure\u021bi camere de hotel? S\u0103 speli b\u0103i? S\u0103 lucrezi \u00een ture de noapte?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nu a r\u0103spuns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Exact asta am f\u0103cut eu c\u00e2nd nu aveam nimic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M-am \u00eentors spre tata.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Richard s-a ridicat \u00eencet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u021ainea str\u00e2ns \u00een m\u00e2n\u0103 actul de proprietate al domeniului din Santa Barbara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Blair, spuse el cu vocea fr\u00e2nt\u0103, nu \u0219tiu dac\u0103 m\u0103 vei putea ierta vreodat\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M-am apropiat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Nici eu nu \u0219tiu, tat\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
El a \u00eencuviin\u021bat trist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Dar \u00eemi voi petrece restul vie\u021bii \u00eencerc\u00e2nd s\u0103 devin un om mai bun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
L-am \u00eembr\u0103\u021bi\u0219at.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pentru prima dat\u0103 \u00een zece ani, tat\u0103l meu m\u0103 \u021binea din nou \u00een bra\u021be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
C\u00e2nd ne-am desprins, avea ochii plini de lacrimi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Mul\u021bumesc, \u0219opti el.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Jos te a\u0219teapt\u0103 o ma\u0219in\u0103, i-am spus. Po\u021bi pleca spre Santa Barbara chiar \u00een seara asta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M-a privit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 \u0218i tu?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am z\u00e2mbit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Eu mai am o companie de condus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Richard mi-a \u00eentors z\u00e2mbetul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apoi s-a \u00eendreptat spre lift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nu s-a mai uitat \u00eenapoi la Eleanor sau Harper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
U\u0219ile s-au \u00eenchis \u00een urma lui.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am mai r\u0103mas o clip\u0103 nemi\u0219cat\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mama st\u0103tea la mas\u0103 \u0219i pl\u00e2ngea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harper privea podeaua.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Connor ar\u0103ta ca un om care tocmai \u00een\u021belesese c\u0103 \u00eentreaga lui via\u021b\u0103 fusese construit\u0103 pe minciuni.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mi-am aranjat sacoul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Cina este deja pl\u0103tit\u0103, am spus calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eleanor \u0219i-a ridicat capul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Blair\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Bucura\u021bi-v\u0103 de ea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M-am \u00eendreptat spre u\u0219\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apoi m-am oprit \u00eenc\u0103 o dat\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Pentru c\u0103 de m\u00e2ine va trebui s\u0103 \u00eenv\u0103\u021ba\u021bi s\u0103 tr\u0103i\u021bi f\u0103r\u0103 bog\u0103\u021bia pe care a\u021bi considerat-o \u00eentotdeauna un drept al vostru.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Am p\u0103r\u0103sit \u00eenc\u0103perea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Liftul m-a dus \u00eenapoi la biroul meu de la etajul \u0219aizeci \u0219i cinci.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Afar\u0103, ora\u0219ul str\u0103lucea \u00een \u00eentuneric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cu zece ani \u00een urm\u0103, \u00eencepusem aceast\u0103 via\u021b\u0103 cu patruzeci \u0219i opt de dolari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Familia mea crezuse c\u0103 m\u0103 va distruge alung\u00e2ndu-m\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crezuse c\u0103 m\u0103 voi \u00eentoarce implor\u00e2nd s\u0103 fiu primit\u0103 \u00eenapoi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar eu nu m\u0103 \u00eentorsesem niciodat\u0103 pentru a le cere aprobarea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M\u0103 \u00eentorsesem pentru c\u0103 devenisem suficient de puternic\u0103 \u00eenc\u00e2t s\u0103-mi hot\u0103r\u0103sc singur\u0103 destinul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ei alungaser\u0103 o fat\u0103 neajutorat\u0103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u0218i, f\u0103r\u0103 s\u0103-\u0219i dea seama, deschiseser\u0103 drumul unei regine c\u0103tre propriul ei regat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pentru c\u0103 adev\u0103rata bog\u0103\u021bie nu \u00eenseamn\u0103 s\u0103-i controlezi pe ceilal\u021bi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00censeamn\u0103 s\u0103 nu mai fii niciodat\u0103 nevoit\u0103 s\u0103 permi\u021bi altora s\u0103-\u021bi controleze via\u021ba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visited 11 261 times, 40 visit(s) today<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
CAPITOLUL 1: PRE\u021aUL LIBERT\u0102\u021aII St\u0103team \u00een fa\u021ba ferestrelor uria\u0219e ale biroului meu de la etajul \u0219aizeci \u0219i cinci \u0219i priveam ora\u0219ul \u00eentins sub mine. Ultimele<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":51816,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51815"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=51815"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51815\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51817,"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51815\/revisions\/51817"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/51816"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=51815"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=51815"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calatorinromania.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=51815"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}