Guardian Girl (The Chronicles of Staffordshire) by NC Simmons Read Free Book Online Page A

running short on time, I have just one more question…”
    A muscle flex on Lenore’s chin caught Armand’s attention. The daughter maintained her aura of serenity, but the father sensed a collapse in progress. Lenore’s spot-on retorts worked, but the experience left her drained. Powerless to intervene, Armand prayed for Lenore to remain strong for one last battle.
    “Yes… Terry…”
    “How much are you worth as of today? I’ve heard rumors that you are already worth several million pounds, is that true?”
    Lenore relaxed. Trainor tossed her fluff. Back to the talking points. “Oh, Terry… I prefer not to talk about money. Money does not buy one happiness. I do not model for the money. I model because I love the work, I love Raquel, and because it has helped me achieve so many of my dreams. I have been blessed to travel the world and meet thousands of wonderful people. Money alone cannot make up for such experiences.”
    “Yes, but… You are indeed a multi-millionaire, are you not?”
    Near the bookshelf, a fatherly head nodded.
    “Yes. I am. I suppose there is no harm in saying how much I am worth. When I checked this morning, my portfolio was valued at $4.5million U.S. dollars. It would be more, but I have chosen to give a significant portion to charity. As you may know, I believe very strongly in children’s aid causes and I give regularly.”
    The interviewer’s eyes widened. “$4.5million U.S.? That’s quite a tidy sum for someone so young, Lenore. Does any of that include proceeds from your father’s fortune?”
    In the shadows, Armand stuck out his tongue. Lenore smiled demurely. “No, Terry… Those are entirely my personal earnings.”
    Sensing that the end of the interview was near, Armand folded his arms and nodded approval to his battle-tested daughter. She handled most of the interrogation like a professional, often working without a net. The toughest interview of her young career proved Lenore was ready to live life on her own in the harshest media town in the world.
    Together, father and daughter dodged a career-ending crisis. “The Paris Incident” remained a neatly packaged family secret.
    “Well that does it for our time together, Lenore. I want to thank you for your willingness to talk with us and connect with our viewers.”
    The interviewer reached across to shake the girl’s hand.
    “You are most welcome, Terry. It was my pleasure,” she lied convincingly.
    Trainor looked directly into the camera. “The ’Eyes On’ team would like to express our deepest thanks to Señor Armand and Señora Alessandra De La Fuente for graciously opening their home for this interview. I only wish we had more time so we could take you on a tour of this magnificent estate and hear more about their stable of prize-winning horses. But perhaps, another time.”
    “10 Seconds… do the Iran tease…”
    “NEXT... The Iranian Hostage Crisis. Is there any hope for a negotiated solution? Our Middle East correspondent Reggie Belden is up next with… ‘Eyes On’ Iran. For now… From Madrid… I’m Terry Trainor.”
    “Aaaaand… We’re clear. Thank God!”

Part 2
     
    Le-Nore
     

Three
     
     
    Proper. Elegant. Dignified.
    Lenore’s half of the dorm room reflected the supermodel’s characteristic flair for order and precision. Every paper was in its appointed place. Every piece of furniture was perfectly positioned for symmetry and ease of access. Every surface was polished to a high shine. The maroon and gold sheets on Lenore’s bed were wrinkle-free. In her closet, 42 custom-made Shalamar dresses were arranged by season, type of event, and color. On a wide, custom-made, floor-to-ceiling rack, 40 pairs of shoes were arranged by style and color. Even her unmentionables drawer was organized by day and color.
    Lenore appointed the wall over her bed and desk with selected paintings and framed posters of the cities she adored. Each picture was hung in an aesthetically soothing location ordered