Chapter 30 - Like A Daughter

"I have seen what the organization does and I want to contribute. A few years ago, 3 major foundations were found to be funneling money for someones own personal use. So it made me hesitate on who to trust in giving money. I know and trust that you have ran the foundation with dignity and respect. So I only ever considered you."

I was touched by his words. The unfortunate truth was that after it was found out, many other organizations came under scrutiny regardless of size or years active. To help relive donors and make sure the people they assisted still had access to funds they had to submit countless paperwork to prove that they are running properly.

That year was rough, I had just started my foundation as a passion project in college so I had to personally go through receipts, documents, contracts; essentially any paper trail we had to show that the funds were allocated properly and our taxes were processed correctly as well. I also maintained my school work and attendance when I could.

I always did things by the book and above so I felt confident but nonetheless it was a lot of pressure to be under public scrutiny especially as a young college student. "Also this will keep people off our tails or remove any doubts about why we collaborated."

Sure enough when he announced the link for the foundation I could visibly quite a few investors and partners seemingly relax. It seems us getting into a more personal relationship had some implications that did not bode well with them.

After Dean wrapped up he left the floor to his parents who mainly shared their appreciation as this year was meant as a way to start having Dean take over.

Dean took a few glasses of wine and began working his way around different tables. 'He has an iron stomach and strong willpower to be able to handle that much alcohol and still be able to lucid.

I decided that it was best to not be a sitting duck and move around to prevent myself from being open for Mrs. Carter from finding me. Though oddly I did not see her husband accompanying her. 'I wonder where he is.'

I talked to a few of my parents business partners and subsidiary heads until I grew tired and needed a social break. I sat back at the isolated table when Deans mother made her way over to me.

"Mrs. Cortez lovely to see you." She looked beautiful in a stunning navy dress. Her hair pulled away from her face and cascaded down her back it was like Deans dark and wavy. "Honey please, call me Estelle we have known each other for such a long time." I smiled as she sat down.

She adjusted herself in the seat and simply watched the crowd as many began to look visibly drunk. "I know you helped my son and husband with my birthday gifts this year." I managed to find a small glass of sweet wine and nearly spilled it when she said these words.

'How in the world did she know?!' I swallowed a bit as I tried to maintain a cool face but my hands felt sweaty and cold as my blood drained.

Estelle giggled a bit before finally looking my way giving me a mischievous smile. "The only person I played chess with was your mother and you when you were much younger. While I love my husband and son to pieces to come up with that gift was most certainly not something they came up with."

I blushed and felt my face warm. I looked down at my hands with guilt. 'Her surprise is ruined.' But she shocked me when she grabbed my hands rubbing them gently. "Do not feel ashamed little one, I am not angry or even upset. They have tried hard for many years and I always appreciate the effort. It was never about what they gave me but the fact they thought about me."

"The gifts this year feel extra special as I have always considered you a daughter. So getting something from you feels extra good."

"Your mother is very lucky to have you as am I with my son." She glanced over and smiled at Dean lovingly but not before it morphed into a frown and she rolled her eyes. "Oh my goodness just what is he doing."

At this point in the conversation basically everyone older had left as they were too inebriated to continue but Dean was acting like the party just got started. He was surrounded by a few models and some of his party friends. I watched in horror as Dean hit back shot after shot of liquor he got from God knows where.

Estelle groaned and placed her hand over her eyes already stressed out. She grabbed her phone and called someone who I guess was in charge of security. They came in and dispersed the crowd corralling them outside.

Dean was left looking now extremely drunk and he began to get agitated. "Aww come on the party just got started." He nursed the liquor bottle and began to messily pour himself another shot. "Help me get him home please." His mother asked though I did not know what exactly she wanted me to do as I had no experience handling someone in this state.

"We have a room reserved at the hotel just a few blocks down if you can get him in the car and to his room I will greatly appreciate it. I would do it but I need to find my husband and deal with this mess he made."

I guess they only led people outside but needed to find them drivers to take them somewhere safe for the night. "I will try my best." I gingerly leaned down to Deans level as he sat on the floor. 'He must be more drunk than normal as he was already at least a few bottles in.'

"Dean why don't we get up and go home ok?" I used the same soft voice I would use on my friends young children. I did not want to agitate him further as I was not too sure he would recognize me.

He stared at me for a few seconds but to my surprise he was obedient and he stood up. I pulled the glass bottle away and tried my best to hold him up. He leaned some of his weight against me but seemed to be aware of not doing it all the way. His head fell on my shoulder as he mumbled against my skin. "Yeah lets go home."