CHAPTER 2 — The CEO's Embarrassment
Alexander finally noticed.
At first, he smiled politely for the cameras while glancing toward his son.
Then he frowned.
Why was Matthew talking to a servant's child?
His public relations director leaned closer.
"Sir... photographers are starting to notice."
Alexander excused himself from a group of investors.
He walked toward the children.
Lucy immediately lowered her hands.
"I'm sorry, sir," she whispered.
Alexander barely acknowledged her.
"Matthew."
His son looked up.
"It's time."
Matthew signed,
"I'm talking."
Alexander didn't answer.
Instead, he looked at Lucy.
"You've been kind."
His tone remained perfectly polite.
"But employees' families shouldn't mingle with our guests."
Lucy felt her cheeks burn.
She nodded.
"I'm sorry."
She turned to leave.
Matthew suddenly grabbed her wrist.
"No."
He looked directly at his father.
Then he signed something Alexander couldn't understand.
Because despite having a deaf son for twelve years...
Alexander had never learned sign language.
The silence between father and son lasted longer than any speech.
Guests quietly looked away.
For the first time, Alexander felt embarrassed.
May you like
Not because of Matthew.
Because he realized everyone else had just witnessed something he had ignored for years.
