Rescuing Bodhi from Love

Our family lineage is marked by strong women. Two generations ago, my grandmother and my mother chose not to marry. Instead, at the right time, they made substantial investments to acquire the best X chromosome from international sperm banks, ensuring a new generation. But in my own little act of rebellion, I decided to do things differently.

Rather than choosing an X chromosome, I opted for a Y, and that’s how Bodhi Crawford came into the world. From his conception onward, I spared no expense in his upbringing. During his childhood, I hired top-tier childcare professionals, nutritionists, and various arts tutors.

Throughout his teenage years, I ensured he traveled widely, engaging in extreme sports to broaden his horizons and cultivate a fearless spirit. Every significant investment helped shape Bodhi into the exceptional, independent, and sophisticated young man I envisioned – polished down to every detail, the epitome of a distinguished heir.

However, my meticulous planning didn’t cover his romantic pursuits. After high school, my plan was to send him abroad, but Bodhi wished to complete his undergraduate studies locally before heading overseas. I had always encouraged him to form his own opinions, so once he expressed his desire, I didn’t object.

To my surprise, after his exams, he met Charlee Harrison, a part-time worker, and chose to remain in the country partly because of her. When I learned of Bodhi’s romantic involvement, I had Charlee investigated. A gambling father, a troubled mother, a dependent brother, and her own struggles – it had all the makings of a compelling tale. What elite heir could resist the appeal of an innocent, yet determined, young woman?

Initially, I had no intention of intervening. After all, young people crave romantic freedom, and it doesn’t necessarily lead to marriage. But then my ever exceptional, self-disciplined son began skipping classes to be with Charlee, failing exams, and claimed that education wasn’t the only path. Mealtime manners became a casualty, as he burped and laughed aloud at the table. The piano was set aside for thumb wrestling, tennis for video games. He even announced he wouldn’t manage the Crawford Group, preferring to retreat to the countryside with Charlee and carve out their own living.

I found myself utterly perplexed. Some advised me to let it be, suggesting he’d learn if faced with setbacks. But there was no time for that! According to my plan, once Bodhi completed his master's degree, he was to gradually take over the family business, with everything transitioning to him by age forty. If he were to face difficulties and start anew, his elite peers would leave him in their dust. How could he possibly compete then?

Relying on my aging self, the Crawford Group would eventually face its demise. The more I pondered it, the more anxious I became. I had to move quickly to break their connection and minimize the risks. Without hesitation, I picked up the phone to call my friend Alexandria Hudson overseas:

“I need urgent assistance… happy to pay, of course... Yes, yes... Please send your daughter here!”