Chapter 5 - THE PENTHOUSE SANCTUARY AND THE MEDICAL EXAM
The presidential penthouse smelled of fresh white lilies and expensive cedarwood,
with floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering a panoramic view of the sparkling Chicago skyline at night.
Dr. Alpert,
a distinguished elderly physician with kind eyes and a calm demeanor,
immediately checked my vitals.
Your blood pressure is slightly elevated, Claire,
Dr. Alpert said gently,
shining a penlight to check my pulse,
but the baby's heartbeat is strong and steady,
a fighter just like his mother and grandmother.
Eleanor sat beside me on the plush velvet sofa,
holding my hand tightly as if afraid I would dissolve into mist if she let go.
We have so much time to make up for,
Eleanor murmured,
brushing a lock of hair from my forehead,
every birthday you spent alone in that orphanage,
every Christmas you wondered if anyone cared.
I will buy back every lost year for you, Claire.
I smiled,
a profound sense of peace washing over me for the first time in my life.
For twenty-five years,
I had believed I was an unwanted ghost in the world,
but now I was surrounded by unconditional love and limitless power.
Marcus Vance entered the living room quietly,
carrying a sleek leather portfolio.
Mrs. Crawford,
Marcus began respectfully,
nodding to Eleanor and me,
the emergency asset freeze on Sterling Enterprises is complete,
and all corporate assets, offshore accounts, and personal properties held by Richard Sterling have been successfully attached by our legal team.
What about his personal residence on Lake Shore Drive,
Eleanor asked,
her voice sharp as glass.
It was foreclosed by our primary bank ten minutes ago,
Marcus replied calmly,
and by morning Richard Sterling will not even own the clothes on his back.
Good,
May you like
Eleanor said coldly,
let him experience what it feels like to pick up his belongings from a hotel lobby.
