The Ivy Chronicles by Karen Quinn

Author:Karen Quinn [Quinn, Karen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2010-03-01T05:00:00+00:00

9. The Plot Thickens

By October, Lilith Radmore-Stein was a woman obsessed. She was convinced that influence would be the key to Ransom’s acceptance at Stratmore Prep, the only school she really wanted. som’s acceptance at Stratmore Prep, the only school she really wanted.

Lilith hired Intelligent Choice, a jury consulting company, to investigate and analyze each trustee on Stratmore Prep’s board. They would recommend whom she should attempt to sway and how best to prevail upon them. We met at Lilith’s antique marble table with the Louis XVI chairs in her office conference room. Johnny was absent, supposedly playing polo in Argentina. As we assembled, Lilith lavished her attention on Mrs. Butterworth, her Yorkie. As the little yapper dog licked her face, Lilith kissed back. “She’s such a sweet puppy, aren’t you, Baby Butterworth, aren’t you? You’re Mommy’s little girl, aren’t you? Yes you are, yes you are. Yesssssssss!” It was nice to see that Lilith had a nurturing side.

Once everyone was seated, Lilith asked,“Ivy, how many spaces will Stratmore Prep have for white non-siblings, non-legacies this year?”

“Gosh, Lilith. I don’t know. Schools never release that information ahead of time.”

“Ivy, Lilith Radmore-Stein does not understand the meaning of the words ‘I don’t know.’ I want answers,” she said evenly. “Call whomever you need to—the mayor’s office, the Parents’ League, the school itself. Are you up to the job for which I hired you? If so, then get me the fuckin’ answer to my goddamn question. Have I made myself clear?” For a Fortune 100 CEO, Lilith had a real potty mouth.

“Yes, you’re being clear. I’ll get you the answer right away,” I said calmly. Shit, I guess I’m supposed to know inside stuff like that, I thought. I’ll e-mail Tipper tonight. Maybe she’ll call Stratmore Prep and get me the answer. I hate looking dumb in front of clients.

Lilith introduced Mort Small-Podd, the president of Intelligent Choice. Mort dove into his PowerPoint presentation, analyzing each Stratmore Prep director while highlighting any professional or personal hot buttons in intimate detail. The consultant suggested the most valuable favor Lilith might bestow on each board member, with the help of her powerful connections, to ensure their full endorsement of Ransom Radmore-Stein’s acceptance:

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