“As you all know I’ve been away on sabbatical for almost two years and in my absence my daughter Helena has been heading the Peabody Corporation. Over the years Helena has done wonderful work in the social services field. I greatly admire how very deeply she cares for the plight of the underprivileged and under-served. As a matter of fact, she’s credited with recognizing the outstanding work of the West Hollywood Family and Youth Center and at her sole discretion presented Ms. Kennard’s proposal with the largest grant in our history.

That being said I’m sure you’ve seen or read all the propaganda that my daughter has incited concerning her proposed new direction for the Peabody Charity Foundation. The statement she made by granting one hundred thousand dollars to Ms. Kennard’s cause however noble was defiant. Denying the CAC grant and awarding a grant to Jodi Lerner against my explicit wishes was a detriment.

I’m all for change and progression. As a matter of fact, I encourage it provided the motives are pure; in the best interest of the company; and supports our vision. However, in this case Helena’s plans conflict with mine and the company’s mission. The underlying reasons and the consequences of her actions which I won’t elaborate on do not conform to the legacy I hope to leave behind.

Being born into extreme wealth might sound glamorous but it can also be burdensome especially when one is expected to step into an inheritance that carries the obligation of a family business and a legacy. For years Helena has tried to live up to my expectations but we’ve never seen eye to eye and we’ve been at cross purposes ever since she was a child. Her rebellion during my absence only served to prove that you can’t hold a child to your dream unless they make it their own; and it will never be realized if they don’t believe in it with their heart and soul. Therefore, it is in her best interest and mine that I relieve Helena of that burden so she is now free to pursue her own dreams and find her own happiness.”

Peggy turned back to Helena and was surprised to see the tears trickling down her aristocratic cheekbones. It saddened Peggy’s heart to look into the beautiful face of her daughter. Helena was always beautiful, even as a child she was described as angelic but one look into her clear blue eyes was enough to reveal that the devil possessed her soul.
“My new successor; although not flesh and blood is someone I have adopted as family and consider very much my second daughter. In the twelve years I’ve known her she’s proven her love and her loyalty to me over and over again. It’s for that reason that I know in my heart that Bette Porter is the one to carry on the Peabody legacy.”

The audience applauded and congratulated Bette. The circumstances although joyous were also solemn because of the obvious pain and humiliation that Helena’s actions had caused Peggy. For her part Bette kept her gaze on Peggy and even at a distance Peggy found comfort in it. Helena stood stock still not knowing exactly what to do. All she wanted was to run away but instead she stood next to her mother and waited to be dismissed.

“Ladies and gentlemen. I’ve kept you from your dinner long enough. Please enjoy the wonderful meal that has been prepared for you by one of Los Angeles’ top chefs Ms. Lara Perkins. We will return to the stage in about an hour for presentations from Leo Herrera and Donna Kramer. Our evening will conclude soon after. Once again thank you all for coming. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your patronage, and thank you for your contributions. Bon Appétit”

When Peggy made her way back to the table Bette got up and hugged her tightly. Peggy held on to her favored child as all the emotions of this bittersweet day caught up with her. She truly did love Helena and it broke her heart to have to do what she did but she knew she had no choice. Peggy excused herself to the bathroom to freshen up and Martha and Allyn followed her knowing she would need their support. The three elder friends soon returned to the table renewed and ready to enjoy the exceptional feast that had been prepared for them.

Helena returned to her seat next to Tina but after a few minutes of uncomfortable silence she excused herself and got up. She didn’t say where she was going and Tina wasn’t sure if she should follow. The decision was taken out of her hands when a few minutes later her cell phone rang. It was Helena calling. She answered immediately then excused herself from the table to take the call.