Chapter 3

A few days later, Will appeared at Ellie's Georgetown residence.

Tiff was with him, clinging to his arm, a smirk on her face.

"Ellie," Will started, his tone accusatory. "What game are you playing with my mother? Trying to manipulate her to force our marriage?"

Tiff laughed, a harsh sound.

"Honestly, Ellie, you're so uptight, so old-fashioned. Will needs someone who knows how to have fun."

She tossed her hair.

"My daddy has more money than your whole family tree. I'm going to bring some real excitement to the Governor's mansion, not like your boring parties."

Ellie simply looked at them, her expression cool.

Catherine Harrison, true to her subtle ways, had not yet made any public move regarding Finch.

But the Harrisons did announce the engagement between Will and Ellie was off.

The statement was brief, citing "mutual agreement."

No one believed it.

Will' s camp tried to float a narrative of an amicable parting, suggesting Ellie was simply not ready for the political spotlight.

Ellie' s spokesperson issued a terse "no comment," which only fueled more speculation.

The media buzzed. Angus Rourke, Tiff's father, couldn't resist the spotlight.

He boasted to any reporter who would listen.

"My Tiff, she' s a firecracker! Conquered that Harrison boy, just like that! Rourkes always get what they want."

His words were crude, a public display of new money arrogance that made the old guard wince.

Ellie, meanwhile, became the subject of sympathetic but pitying gossip.

"Poor Ellie," they whispered at luncheons and fundraisers. "So dignified, but jilted for that... Texan."

Her Aunt Caroline called, her voice tight with worry.

"Eleanor, darling, this Finch talk... is it true? He' s so much older. What will people say?"

Ellie remained calm.

"Aunt Caroline, Senator Finch is a man of great integrity and influence. My future will be secure, and respected."

She didn' t elaborate, but her aunt seemed somewhat mollified by her confidence.

The political fallout for Will was immediate, though subtle.

Key donors paused their contributions. Party elders made concerned calls to former President Harrison.

Will' s impulsive decision was seen as a sign of poor judgment.