GiGi

Hi LN Cronan, You raise some really good points, but here is my question: Who was the second pediatrician/coconspirator who also agree that Gideon wasn't being abused? Did the two individuals know each other or were they unrelated? Here's my next question; why didn't the pediatricians contact Child Protective Services? When a complaint about abuse is made, a healthcare provider is mandated by law to register the complaint so that even if physical evidence of abuse isn't found, a social worker could follow up to ensure the safety of said child. A physician would also have to question the child about the abuse (very gently) and if the child stated that he/she had been abused to the healthcare provider (for example), then the physician would have no alternative but to report a case of abuse. My question is; What the heck happened here?! It seems that both Eva and Gideon were failed by the healthcare system at every single turn. Physicians failed to report complaints of abuse, potential and physical evidence that was found was disregarded, etc.... The type of initial abuse that is described in the book is basically grooming a child for the abuse. I personally think that maybe Gideon tolerated a lot before he said something and that someone or a group of someone's lied. After all how can one explain the level of hatred that Gideon has for Dr. Lucas? I also just want to be clear that there is no mild molestation. What we have here is a case of; fondling, potentially oral and eventual anal penetration. Gideon did not elaborate thus far except through his nightmares. So it will be interesting to see how this entire thing unfolds. He is a man with many dark secrets...

 

I want to know what happened to Gideon's abuser!!

Hi Crossfire,

Me too!!

 

Yes, that is why she always has low self esteem and that is where Gideon helps her to overcome her issues...

Hi Crossfire,

I agree with your comments. Congratulations on one of your postings being promoted to an article. When you are finished writing it, could you please let me know where it will be posted so I can read it? Thanks in advance. :)

 

The dance club scene (snippets 6 and 7) takes place in New York. Gideon is at home and Eva is out with some girls at a club Gideon owns. The clues are in snippet 7, the phone call Eva makes:

"I went to the bar and waited for an opening to ask for Pellegrino and the phone. I dialed Gideon’s cell number, since it was the one I had memorized. I figured it was safe since I was calling from a public place he owned."

Hi LN Cronan,

You make some really good points! Congratulations on your posting being promoted to an article. When you are finished writing it, could you please let me know where it will be posted so I can read it? Thanks in advance.

Meaning she used the bar phone, instead of her cell phone. She's got his cell, office and home numbers programmed into her cell phone, but it makes sense it's his cell she had memorized, because she rarely called him at home.

Further down in snippet 7:

He growled. Ã¢â‚¬Å“Come home and be bad with me.â€

The thought of him at home, ready for me, made me even more eager for him. “I’m stuck here Ã¢â‚¬Ëœtil the girls are done, which looks to be a while.â€

 

“I can come to you. Within twenty minutes ....(what he says next is pretty hot).

So she's somewhere within 20 minutes of his apartment. She's out partying like a single woman as part of continuing to keep up the public act she and Gideon aren't seeing one another. And when he does show up 20 minutes later, he's careful about his appearance. From snippet 6:

" .... him in a dark T-shirt and jeans, his hair pulled back from that breathtaking face. No one seeing him would put him together with Gideon Cross, the international mogul. This guy appeared younger and rougher, distinctive only for his incredible smokin’ hotness."

 

Two things interest me: I think Eva is able to sneak in and out of his apartment building just like he's able to sneak in and out of her's. And they're being careful about which telephone numbers they use (numbers that leave a paper trail on phone records.)

 

I agree with Monica being upset over the possible "damage goods" thoughts. But, I'm starting to have a little bit of a problem with Miss Monica. When I re-read BTY the other day, I was a little put off that Monica bought such a sexy dress for Eva to wear to the charity dinner. I mean yes, I get that Monica wants Eva to look good and catch a good husband, but the description of that dress sounds downright almost naked. Why make your daughter who's a sex abuse survivor look like a sexual toy for rich men? Then in RIY Monica had the gall to call Cary a tramp regarding that same night. As Eva said something like  "gotta remember to thank my mother for the easy access dress. I don't think Monica has any room to talk when she's pimping her daughter. Okay pimping is harsh, I'll say pushing her daughter towards rich men. Just my opinion. Anyone else?

Hi Mrsmajessick,

Wow! You make a really great point! I never even thought about that. Each character in this book is like an onion. One only has to keep peeling back the layers and still there is more... It is almost as if Monica sees her daughter as a friend and not her child. Yuck.

Hi Crossfire, I never saw the series but I have heard of it. I don't know why Sylvia chose the name Gideon, but it sounds very manly. It is a Hebrew name that means tree cutter. The name doesn't mean what I envision the character to be. Who comes up with the meaning of names anyways? Sometimes I think these individuals must have been a little left of centre. :)

Hi everyone, Here is a quick question I wanted to throw out. Given all of the information presented in the two books, do you think we have enough information to figure out who abused Gideon and who killed Nathan?

Hi everyone, "I've always seen you, angel. From the moment you found me, I've seen nothing but you." "You're so brave, Eva. So strong and honest. Your're a miracle. My miracle."

 

Me too. Which is why I think he killed him. Since he cannot be thrown to jail cos it would blow up in everyone 's faces and Stanton anfd Monica etc all dont want this. (But Gideon is less shallow ..remember when Eva said she didnt want it to "embarass" him.. And his reaction to that comment?)

Hi Crossfire,

Could it be that Eva was really embarrassed about her past because a part of her may feel like damaged goods? I think she may feel a real shame about what happened to her. Sometimes it is easier to blame yourself for something terrible happening then having to deal with everything emotionally. When Nathan finished abusing herself, she took up where he left off. She started self destructing and acting promiscuously, etc. It is such a complicated path it is hard to navigate. What do you think?

Hi everyone, I was thinking about everyone's postings and I just wanted to throw something out there and see what you all think. When Nathan tried to blackmail Gideon and Richard Stanton, it was implied that he brought videos and/or photos. I asked everyone if they thought that Nathan had videotaped the rapes and many of you said no. I just wanted to throw this theory out to everyone and tell me what you think. 1. I think Nathan did video tape the rapes. I think he was just evil and crazy enough to do that. Eva mentioned in the first book that the household staff must have known what was going on....maybe blood and semen on the bed sheets or her screaming while he raped her. When this entire situation came to light. Nathan didn't get reprimanded, his dad went into lock down and containment mode. Thereby subtlety telling his son that his actions were ok (or forgivable). He was never made to atone for his crimes. 2. From all of the dialogue that Sylvia wrote, it also seems that his father tolerated a lot of very bad behaviour from his son before he finally cut him off. What would cause a father to disown and cut all ties with his own son? For the love of all humanity, if a father doesn't disown his own son after he discovered that his son was raping his stepsister, what could Nathan have done that was so terrible that his father threw his hands up and said "enough"? 3. If we look at all the socialites in today's society, so many of them have willingly filmed and marketed their own homemade sex tapes. They have gotten caught doing drugs, carrying drugs and acting like drunken fools. Yet their PR firms place these fallen angels in volunteer charities, to help improve their images and for the most part, if these young women don't continue down the path of destruction, their images are restored and all is eventually forgotten as a misstep of youth. But what is the one thing that can't be PR Firmed away...I say it is rape. Once a person is raped, it is the whisper that can't ever be forgotten. What does everyone think?

 

Good points being made here. Everything said brought up one question in my mind - why would Gideon bring Angus into his adult world and trust him to protect him when he left everything from his past within the Vidal home behind? I still don't think Angus helped with Nathan but I now think he did help with getting rid of Gideon's abuser. There would have to be a special relationship there for Gideon to trust him the way he does. I can't see Gideon "hiring him away when the time came" if Angus knew about the abuse and said or did nothing. And that comment he made about Gideon "he knows when to stop" gave some insight into Angus knowing how violent Gideon could be and when he stops - something he would just about have to witness to know. I think Angus was probably Gideon's only support when he was younger. Just how supportive he was remains to be seen. Is it June yet?

Hi Mrsmajessick,

That is a good point. I never thought that Angus may have had something to do with eliminating Gideon's abuser. That would certainly place Angus at the top of Gideon's most trusted list. I can hardly wait for June! :)

 

Yep u got a point hopefully it is her bachelorette party

Hi Valgirl,

I just love that you are so passionate about the series! I am so glad that it isn't just me going crazy for these books. :)

Hi everyone, You all make such great points! 1. LN Cronan, I could definitely see Monica being afraid of loosing custody of her child. After all Victor is a police officer and Monica no longer had the support of her family and was in the process of divorcing her created family when she found out. 2. Crossfire, I am not sure whether Gideon went as far as to see that justice was served with the death of Nathan or whether it really was the elimination of a deadly threat. I can hardly wait for the next instalment of the series. 3. Mrsmajessick, you make such great points! A reader is left wondering where the heck Monica was during the years that Eva was with her dad. Did Monica really feel no concern for Eva's safety when she was living with Victor, knowing that Victor had no idea about the entire Nathan situation? I hope that Sylvia addresses that in the next book. I also wonder just how much of "love affair....whatever (my words not Sylvia's) Victor and Monica had. Yes both parties were good looking, yes both parties fooled around, but after that....NOTHING! It seems that they had absolutely nothing in common other than sex. Someone explain this to me...please.

 

Yup, that 's what I thought. But, lately I've been asking myself do I trust Elizabeth Vidal and the answer comes up NO. She could easily be lying to Eva. I mean would she readily admit to Eva that she's a real witch who is the worst mother ever. I mean when you get down to the bottom line Elizabeth and Monica aren't that much different - Yes Monica got Eva out of there - but what choice did she really have with child protective services involved and Eva was pregnant - no getting around that. I have a hard time buying that she didn't notice that her little girl was being repeatedly raped for four years! I have two little girls and I can tell when there's something wrong even before they say it = Mother's intuition, something Monica & Elizabeth obviously don't have. And Monica was very upset that Eva told Gideon about the abuse just as Elizabeth was when Eva confronted her.  I just keep coming back to Gideon's comment about knowing Elizabeth would like Cary and his warning regarding that - makes me think something might have been going on between Elizabeth and Gideon's abuser. The whole thing is so ugly.

Hi Mrsmajessick,

You make a valid point about Elizabeth Vidal. It is so hard to know whether she is telling the truth. I suspect that maybe she is. Thus far she has thrown herself under the bus....ie...she nothing while Gideon was being abused. After reading the book again, I came up with a few theories of my own to explain everyone's actions.

1. I suspect that Gideon may have cut his mother out of his life, which by my estimation would have sent a woman like Elizabeth Vidal into the stratosphere. In stead of saying I am so sorry that I failed you son, Elizabeth Vidal decided to sweep everything under the rug and that would have alienated her from her son even further. So what does a woman like her do...she interjects herself into her son's life even further. She makes inappropriate friendships with her child's friends thereby holding on to some supposed bond with her child.

2. As far as mother of the year award neither woman will ever win. I think I understand Monica a little more (I Don't agree!! Don't get me wrong). She strikes me as type of woman who obtains her self worth from her status. Therefore her mission in life is to make sure that she finds herself a wealthy man and that her daughter as well is married off to a wealthy man. I think that maybe Monica saw Eva's rapes damage to the product. What man would want a woman who is "damaged goods"? Like it or not, there are many in society that still hold this philosophy. So what can Monica do to ensure that her daughter is well taken care of? She monetarily goes after the husband she is married to, to provide and ensure that firstly; everyone will keep their mouths shut , and secondly, Eva will be taken care of. She won't have to worry about money within the social community (she is independently wealthy and thereby gets to keep her socialite status).

3. I agree with you completely that Monica completely dropped the ball as far as raising her child. You are absolutely right! A good mother knows what's going on in her child's life. It is clear that Monica did not. Maybe Monica was the type of mother who thought that once she gave birth to Eva, it was the responsibility of the household staff to raise the child. There are many people, in today's society, who still subscribe to this type of philosophy. Monica's parents basically disowned her when she got pregnant with Eva. So I could see all the events leading up to the birth of her child and subsequent marriage reinforcing her fears about money and status.

4. I think Monica was upset that Eva told Gideon about the abuse, because Monica was afraid that Gideon may not want "damaged goods". I think it may be a very real fear for her. Those are just my thoughts . What does everyone else think?

Hi Crossfire, Could it be that Eva was making that statement sarcastically? It must be tough thing to realize that your mother is monetarily shallow. Just a thought. I wonder myself, how Gideon defines Justice.

Hi everyone, I was thinking about everything and I was wondering why is Eva's past such a big thing? Something seems off there. I am sure that Victor would be very upset with Monica about they was she handled things but I question how much respect Victor could have for Monica realizing that she was monetarily shallow (and that he got passed over because he would never be wealthy-given his profession and family status). Something doesn't quite add up. What does everyone else think?

Hi ladies/gentlemen, That's exactly my point. If Angus was Gideon's chauffeur and bodyguard wouldn't he have had some responsibility in protecting Gideon from the abuse? What seems to be in question here is; did Angus know that Gideon was being sexually abused or even abused for that fact and when did he find out? The answers to those questions will put a lot of things into perspective for me and maybe for many of us. Committing a crime is one thing, but spilling your secrets of said crime to someone else is an entirely different kettle of fish. For a man who is so totally in control, I am not sure that Gideon would extend that kind of information to another human being. Placing that kind of burden on someone is one thing, but having to rely on someone to keep their mouth shut would be something else altogether. I am not sure that Gideon would be emotionally ready to extend that kind trust or rely on another human being like that. This is a man who is literally the master of his own domain. He doesn't need anyone or is dependent on anyone for anything! That is the way he has designed his life. I also think that it may be very easy to jump to some conclusions without having all the facts first. When I read the ending of the book and all of the snippets, I didn't think that Gideon felt despair...I don't have enough information to make that conclusion...yet. Somehow I feel like the mouse in Sylvia's well designed mouse maze....I just keep wandering along looking for the crumbs! :)

Hi everyone, I took the latest snippet from Sylvia that Eva was dancing like she was single because she wasn't in a relationship....ie..she and Gideon were no longer together and she could do as she pleases. It would take the pressure off of the detectives prying eyes. I too, hope that Eva and Gideon will wind up together. I think it would be a great idea if Gideon wound up with a teenage daughter. It would just be priceless! :)

Hi everyone, I was thinking about what everyone said and I did a little investigating of my own. I went back to Sylvia's book Reflected In You and I looked up the scene between Eva and Gideon's mom. On page 298-299... Elizabeth Vidal stated " I'm Christopher's mother too, and he was there. He swears nothing happened. Who was I supposed to believe when there was no proof? No one could find anything to support Gideon's claims." That quote in itself suggests that Elizabeth Vidal did indeed question Christopher about Gideon's sexual abuse, which is wrong on so many levels. It is clear that Elizabeth Vidal will never win mother of the year.

Hi everyone, No Nathan did not go to jail. The police were never contacted and the hospital where Monica took Eva never called CPS. Everything was covered up. Monica immediately divorced her husband and then both parties went through a civil litigation type process. Monica's husband arranged for a settlement for Eva and the matter was sealed for the benefit of both parties. I have to mainly think that Monica's ex-husband would have been grateful that his son wouldn't wind up in jail. Those are just my thoughts.

 

I feel the same way. i keep thinking that (1) Corinne WAS there.. and came on to him, and Eva had gotten him all worked up with that phone call of hers and leaving him hot and panting, but then he regretted it ....

I just find that Eva not being able to see the difference between a lipstick stain and a bloodstain a bit weak...

But i went back and read it again and again and it kinda sunk in..

Still weak tho..

Hi Crossfire,

I don't think Corinne was in Gideon's office on the day of the altercation. I think she came looking for trouble but Gideon turned her away. Nathan was already upstairs. I think they were busy tussling. Unbeknown to Corinne, I think maybe that upset her and her supposed status she previously had (which is now all in her head). That being, I think Corinne was on the way out of the building when she saw her arch rival Eva. So she messed herself up a little, pasted a nice big fat "just messed around look" on her face and just strode out the door, knowing that it would send Eva into the stratosphere of jealousy!! Corinne thereby gets to jam a subtle wedge between Eva and Gideon's relationship.

2. I think Eva didn't take the time to actually look at things. When Eva made it to Gideon's office I am sure that she must have been livid and thereby not thinking clearly! She had already made up her mind that something had happened between Gideon and Corinne. If she would have taken a moment and processed the scene and everything around, she would have found it odd that Gideon had "supposed lipstick" on the cuff of his sleeve. When most men are getting busy and getting friendly with their lady friends, lipstick stains tend to wind up on the collar of a shirt....it is actually closer to the face or the neck a woman would want to kiss.

Those are just my thoughts. What does everyone else think? :)

Hi everyone, I agree with LN Cronan. June 4, 2013 should the firm release date. I checked with Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc. and they have that date listed as the release date. Now all I have to do is figure out what I am going to do with myself until then. Thus far, I have made a huge batch of Greek Stuffed Peppers and am working on Russian Tea Cookies. Now if I can prevent myself from eating all this food, I hopefully won't gain 100 pounds and will be able to dash right out and get my latest copy of the next book! :)

Hi everyone, I was just brain storming and a couple things came to mind. 1. I don't think that Eva has ever trusted anyone before Gideon. She allowed him to see all of her flaws and insecurities; jealousy, rage, etc. She also stated that she used sex as a crutch to connect or feel connected to her other partners but never really seemed to achieve that. I think with Gideon she is learning that she can give up that control, have a spectacular sexual experience and still feel worth while. 2. Gideon never resolved his issues regarding his sexual abuse and as such never had a real relationship either. Sex with Corinne was limited and they never spent any extended time or a night together. Eva seems to be the first woman that he has ever done this with. A person is lead to believe this by his statement to Eva about how he never had a woman up to his apartment (other than his mother) ever. That would be supported by the fact that he had a f*@k pad where he could take care of his sexual needs. It seems that Eva is the first woman he has ever trusted (or at least begun to trust), which is huge. 3. There was an absence in the lives of these two characters which may be something that attracted one to the other. Each person saw the one vulnerability in the other, that they had within themselves. Those are just my thoughts. What does everyone else think?

 

On the Thursday night of the murder, Angus drove Eva from work to Dr. Petersen's office then from Dr. Petersen's office straight home. So she had an unbroken alibi - coworkers, driver, therapist, driver again and finally roommate (by then, Cary was home from the hospital). She had every single minute Thursday night into Friday morning covered, not being alone for an instant.

 

However, at quarter to five Friday morning, when Eva left home to go pick her Dad up from his red-eye flight to the airport, Angus was not who was waiting to drive her to the airport. It was Gideon's other driver, Raul. So where was Angus? With Gideon, I'll bet, as part of Gideon's alibi. My guess is right after he dropped Eva off at her apartment, he met Gideon somewhere near Nathan's hotel.

 

What I want to know is how long Gideon was with Corrine that night. Certainly during the party, but did they go somewhere else afterward? 

Hi LN Cronan,

You make some really good points. I wonder myself how much time Gideon spent with Corinne. I have to wonder how Sylvia will address this topic in the next book. I would think that if she were questioned, Corinne would have sought legal counsel as well. She doesn't strike me as a foolish woman.

Hi everyone, I have been thinking about the points that you all have been making and most of them make sense. The one thing I struggle with is the theory that Angus knew Gideon was being sexually abused. Somehow I don't buy that. Just think about it for a minute, could you as a human being, sit back and watch a child be repeatedly raped. My respect for Angus would go straight into the toilet. Now I could potentially buy that scenario if Gideon confessed the abuse to Angus and the "unknown abuser" wound up underneath the Bentley's front tires.....you know something along the line of .."I am so sorry I ran over the therapist/Grad Student/Psychologist.....(the yet to be named abuser) Mrs. Vidal. I really have to get the brakes checked. I have no idea how they possibly could have failed...(wink, wink)." But Sylvia did not play the story out that way. I guess we will have to wait and see. I also don't think, as strange as it may seem, that Gideon would involve Angus. Seeing as that Angus is the family chauffeur, his car would be well known and recognizable and as such Angus couldn't just come and go as he pleased. He too, would have to have an alibi. This entire scenario rests upon the fact that Angus, was parked directly out in front of the Kingman Vodka Party, would have have been seen by the other Chauffeurs and wouldn't have any unaccounted mileage on the limo. If Gideon had requested Angus's services then Angus would have to account for the mileage on the speedometer and his absence from being out front of the party scene. If Gideon did this...if...he would have done it alone. If he got help it wouldn't have been cut and dry. Nothing ever is in these books. Way to go Sylvia! What does everyone else think?