Page 5 of Code of Heart
“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you needed my help. You should’ve called me; I would have been here,” Aurelia said.
“Don’t be sorry…you’re right,” Selene sighed ruefully with a slight shake of her head. “I’m taking my stress out on you. You’re usually here earlier than most, and I assumed you could help, that’s all,” she explained. “Let's head in, they’re startingpromptly at 9:00, and I don’t want to miss a thing,” Selene said as she looped her arm around Aurelia’s.
They entered the now spotless ballroom and found their seats. The audio-visual equipment set up for the farewell event was still there. Charles Pierce stood at the podium with a laptop and a thick folder. While Aurelia sat down, Selene remained standing in front of her seat to call the room to order so that Charles could begin.
After briefly introducing himself as Eleanor Greaves’s attorney, Charles explained that he was executing her will—and it required the staff to view the final message she had recorded.
Unnatural silence filled the ballroom.
He then tapped a few keys on his laptop to begin the video presentation before stepping aside, ensuring he wasn’t blocking the screen behind him.
Like last night, the screens came to life with Eleanor front and center, wearing the same outfit in yesterday's video and sitting on her favorite chaise lounge. The look directed at the crowd in this recording was drastically different than that of the farewell party. It was softer, more like the Eleanor we loved.
After what felt like a lifetime, Eleanor began to speak.
“My dearest household staff. Words cannot express how much I appreciated all your hard work that ensured Starhaven Manor, the Greaves legacy, and my personal affairs were the epitome of excellence. Know that I will miss you dearly.”
Aurelia couldn’t stop the wave of emotion that washed over her. She swallowed hard once, then twice, her attention fixed on the screen before her. Hearing Eleanor's voice again helped take the edge off her pain. Selene reached over and gave her hand a comforting squeeze.
“By this time, my farewell party should have taken place last night, and I’m confident it went off without a hitch...and if it didn’t, then Bertrand and Gladys had it coming. I can rest easilyknowing that I said what needed to be said.” Eleanor chuckled and waved a hand in the air.
“But back to more important things. As I was saying…I again cannot thank you all enough for the great care you have shown to my estate, my events, and me through to the end. You have continued to be exceptional, always catering to my every whim, especially knowing what a cranky old biddy I can be.”
Aurelia heard a handful of quiet chuckles, no doubt agreeing with Eleanor's description of her disposition.
“Most of you are wondering what will happen to you now that I’m gone. It’s no secret that I didn’t have any children of my own, and it is my biggest regret in life to have the Greaves legacy end with me. But don’t worry, death won’t stop me from taking care of you…Well, at least for the next two years anyway.”
The air in the room suddenly became charged, and the staff sat up taller and paid more attention.
“Everyone will receive the same salary and benefits as they do now, as well as an annual merit increase as planned. Charles will take over the oversight of general operations, while Aurelia will remain in her position, helping him with my affairs as she normally would with me. The day-to-day will continue under the purview of our current Chief of Staff, Selene Vinter.”
Aurelia snuck a glance at Selene, but her expression was unreadable.
Eleanor continued, “Going forward with business as usual: I expect you all to report to work on time and perform your duties as if I were still here—maintain the estate, support my annual events that will carry on at Starhaven. Additionally, everyone will receive a $50,000 bonus at once, followed by a $100,000 bonus each year for the next two years.” There was an explosion of animated whispers, “…assuming you are still employed by the estate for the first and second anniversaries of my passing. Thistotals $250,000, and I must reiterate that it is contingent upon your continued employment here.”
The excitement was impossible to ignore—even Aurelia was surprised, her mouth slack and eyes wide. She glanced at Selene again…her features still carefully schooled and keenly focused on the screen.
“While I have no heir by blood, I’ve taken measures to name someone as the beneficiary to take over my estate and assets. At the end of the two-year window, it will be at their discretion whether they want to keep the current staff or not. If any of you choose not to stay on long-term beyond that, then you still have a two-year window to find alternative employment. The last thing that I want is for any member of my household to be stressed about losing their job.”
There were a few members openly weeping about her generous offer…it even affected Aurelia.
“As my attorney Charles Pierce has hopefully said,like I told him to,” Charles rolled his eyes, “he will be meeting with you individually to review documents and discuss the terms of this employment agreement. Expect to hear from him and Aurelia within the next couple of weeks as they work out the details.”
Aurelia quickly pulled out her phone, adding these meetings to her task list.
Eleanor's eyes glittered with unshed tears. “When you look back on my passing, I hope it’s with fondness. I know exactly how crazy and pigheaded I can be, and while I wouldn’t change a damn thing about it, I care more about you than you may think,” she said thickly.
Eleanor then straightened her spine, and the utmost regal expression she could muster slipped over her face. “Now get back to work! You’ve had a long enough break, and I can already see black mold forming on the seat where Bertrand's putrid butt parked itself last night.”
The video abruptly ended, a reflection of the way Eleanor both entered and exited this world—a disruptive force.
Everything Eleanor did in life followed her personal moral code and rules of etiquette. Dressed to the nines in her signature eccentric style, she was direct and didn’t mince words in her messages, preferring to “tell it like it is.”
Aurelia wasn’t surprised by it, though.
If there was one thing Eleanor hated most, it would be those who hid behind false niceties and disingenuous smiles. It’s why she was so generous with her fortune; she truly enjoyed helping others who were less fortunate. Eleanor often sought opportunities to help others anonymously, whether it was through a donation or even paying off mortgages on a whim.
Around her, whispers of shock and gratitude spread. She touched Selene’s arm; her friend jumped slightly, then finally turned to her.
