A Shadow Of Doubt

Constance Rogers

Constance Rogers
Elliott assures me our age difference won't be an issue, after all I am 18 and I graduated from high school and college already. We met when I applied for an architectural Job with Grey construction. I am my parents only child because they could afford to adopt another child. But they have tripled their wealth and they have made sure that my education started as soon as they took me home. They told me it was a private adoption. They won't let anyone see the documents, but their attorney's. My grandparents alluded to it being an illegal transaction when they didn't know I was around. Elliott us almost twelve years older than I am. I was hired by him immediately sight unseen, he ran a background check on me and everything looked great and he didn't have any qualms about hiring women for construction workers. I had admiration for him just for that reason. We hit it off right away and I about to turn 19 my parents were concerned about my dating my boss and so was Elliott so he had assigned me to his CEO Adam Fredericks. I have to follow strict guidelines at work or work events. No touching, no kissing and definitely no sex. I can be fired if we break these rules, unless we marry a little known clause they slipped in my work contract.
Elliott
I rub Constances hand and tell her to relax, that his parents are not going to eat me up. We finally drive and park next to the other cars, my brothers security is standing there watching the area. Taylor is chatting with them and he waves at us as we pass by and we wave back. Connie asks who they are and I tell I know a few of them, but Taylor the guy who was waving is my brother's head of security. The others are security teams under his command.
Connie
He needs that many guys to protect him? Why are all the security looking at me like that Elliott?
Elliott
They probably haven't seen such a beautiful woman like you before. No he uses Taylor and one other guy, the others are to protect his girlfriend and my sister, mother, grandparents and one for mom and dad. They have ate already see their food trays on the picnic tables. The servers will be out to get them soon. We arrive at the dinner table a little late. I notice that everyone is staring at Connie and then looking at Anastasia and back at Connie and it hits me Anastasia is a shorter version of Connie.
Anastasia
Madison has asked me all kinds of questions, I started getting frustrated and she finally told me I did good considering her objective was to break me down. She looked at Christian and told him I was a keeper. I said well we will see if my dad thinks he is good enough for me to keep. Theodore
Checkmate my dear you have found your match and Christian should be so lucky if this young lady and her father chose Christian as a good possible future life partner.
Madison
He is right Anastasia turned the tables on me. I just smiled, but inside it was turmoil. She is beautiful and she can stand her ground.
Elliott
I kiss my grandmother, shake granddads hand and introduce Constance to them and then my parents are next as well. Mia is introduced and then Anastasia and Raymond, I am at a loss at who the guy is sitting between Mia and Christian.  Connie finally comes from behind me and everyone gasps. They keep looking from Anastasia to Connie and then to the guy sitting there close to Anastasia.
Madison
Okay I have to ask this question young lady are you a Steele too? Because other than Graham being male and the height difference between you and Anastasia you have to had been related at some to each other in some way.
Connie
I have no idea who my real parents are, I was adopted and only the attorneys have access to the exact process of my adoption. Now I am really nervous, my age is no longer an issue the fact I look like two of the dinner guest is a problem.
Grace
Elliott please help your date to her seat dear. I think we have made her more than uncomfortable at this point.
Elliott
I sit by Mia after sitting Connie next to dad at the head of the table. I really like Connie and now I am wondering if it is because she looks like Anastasia, but I only saw Anastasia in photographs. This is really the first time we have met. I have to say she is built better on top than Anastasia. I am introduced to the Steeles along with Connie. Grandma is all up in this look a like situation. Apparently Graham is Anastasias brother and they have the same mom and dad.
Grace
I can't stop wondering if she would consider a DNA test?
Carrick
I shake my head no when Grace gives me a look, I know she wants to find out if they are related in some way. I decide to ask the other question that is on everyone's mind. Connie how old are you? Elliott says you are an architect and work for his company.
Connie
18 soon to be 19 my parents only had one child and money prevented them from adopting any more children. So they put all their energies in to my education and making me the best person they could and that is why I am a college graduate at 18. I realize that Elliott is older than I am, but I have nothing in common with guys my age and they are after other things and I am too smart for most of them and they think I should play dumb and they are intimidated by my income and my wealth. Or they are thinking they can live off me. I steer clear of those guys.
Carrick
Good choice, not everyone has their goals in life even at 18.
Madison
Tell us more about yourself and your parents. I think you guys need to get a DNA test to see if you are related. Grace could get it done.
Connie
Forgive me, but I had great parents and I don't want to find my biological parents. I look at mr Steele.
Raymond
I can assure you that you aren't my daughter. Graham is the only one I can say that I could have fathered after Carla left. I decided to have a vasectomy shortly after my divorce. So I can't be your father. I made sure the vasectomy worked. A few of my lady friends were after my money and thought getting pregnant would help get it. Sorry folks a little too personal for dinner conversation I know.
Graham
I did the math and the only person that could have parented you was Carla Steele and Stephen Morton. You missed a bullet when you were adopted. Both are dead. So anyone want mashed potatoes they are delicious.
Mia
I made those, I smile at Graham.
Theodore
You are a very good cook my dear. You still doing the catering and designing your own clothing?
Mia
Yes it is just so time consuming and I don't get to meet anyone new. I look at Graham and he smiles.
Graham
I am like that, but I make time to go out and enjoy life. I go sky diving if you are interested.
Connie
The conversation goes back to a better footing and I think I hurt peoples feelings, but oh well I just don't want to disrespect my adopted parents even if they are gone.