The Black Sheep Has Arrived — Episode 8

Dad, Mr. Ashford might not be able to make it. My father froze. What do you mean he's not coming? It's Julian's wedding. How is he not showing up?

Serena sighed. Julian said there's an important guest flying in from out of town this weekend. Mr. Ashford has to host them personally. He can't get away. Elliot frowned.

Who is this person? More important than his own grandson's wedding? I'm not exactly sure, Serena said, shaking her head. Julian just said someone from the East Coast. Apparently Mr. Ashford spent months working his network just to get this meeting on the calendar.

Melanie looked baffled. What kind of person makes an Ashford wait that long? Do you know what that family is worth in New England? Ethan Scott.

Exactly. Nothing tops Serena's wedding. Serena waved them off quickly. Don't say that. Julian told me this person holds a technical patentee that's exactly what Ashford Industries needs right now.

Mr. Ashford said if they can close this deal, the family is set for the next She paused. Then, with studied casualness, she glanced at me. Hazel, you've been out there a while. Have you heard anything about who this might be?

I shook my head. Not really. Elliot let out a short, derisive laugh. She never finished college. What would she have heard?

Serena, stop dragging her into every conversation. She can't keep up. I kept eating and said nothing. What was I supposed to say? That the person Mr. Ashford had been chasing for months was They'd laugh in my face and hit me with a, Come on, don't flatter yourself.