Chapter Eight: The Dixon Legacy

Saturday, 9:15 a.m. — Residential Wing

A disturbing discovery

Stephanie sat on the edge of her bed while Danielle examined the documents they'd collected.

"There's something I haven't told you," Danielle said.

"What?"

"I've been looking into the history of this place. Robert Dixon didn't establish this institute to rehabilitate criminals. That was the public explanation."

Stephanie looked up.

"Then what was it really for?"

Danielle opened an old photocopied report.

"His original idea was to create a private finishing institution for young men who could be transformed into suitable wives for wealthy families."

Stephanie stared at her.

"You're serious?"

"Completely."

Robert Dixon's vision

Danielle showed Stephanie an old photograph of Robert Dixon.

Robert had been a wealthy industrialist with connections throughout the banking, manufacturing, and political worlds.

His daughter Margaret had grown up around his business associates and their families.

According to the documents, Robert believed that wealthy families would pay enormous sums for carefully prepared spouses for their sons.

He developed a system that included:

Physical presentation and feminine fashion.

Cosmetics, hairstyling, and personal grooming.

Domestic management and household administration.

Social etiquette and formal entertaining.

Relationship and marriage preparation.

"She turned her father's experiment into a business," Stephanie said.

Danielle nodded.

"And we're part of it."

The selection process

Stephanie felt uncomfortable.

"How did they choose me?"

Danielle turned another page.

"I don't know. But there's something missing from your original file."

"What?"

"The authorization."

Richard's visit

Later that afternoon, Richard arrived for another meeting.

This time he brought a large shopping portfolio.

Inside were photographs of designer dresses, handbags, shoes, and accessories.

"I thought we'd discuss your wardrobe," he said.

Stephanie looked through the pages.

There were beautiful dresses, tailored skirts, elegant blouses, and expensive handbags.

"These are expensive."

"Naturally."

"Do you really expect me to wear things like this every day?"

Richard smiled.

"Not every day. But I do expect you to enjoy looking after yourself."

Stephanie closed the portfolio.

Richard looked momentarily surprised.

"Your preferences matter, Stephanie."

She studied him, unsure whether she believed him.

For the first time, Richard seemed interested in hearing her opinion rather than simply presenting instructions.

Margaret's private office

That evening, Margaret opened an old cabinet in her office.

Inside was a collection of original candidate files.

She removed one marked:

THOMAS, STEVEN — ORIGINAL SELECTION

She looked at the photograph.

Then she opened the first page.

Unlike the other candidate files, this one contained her personal authorization.

She had selected Steve herself.

And she intended to keep that fact secret.