Chapter 1 - The Woman in RedRain hammered the towering windows of the Sterling-Vance estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, turning the manicured gardens into dark, shimmering shadows.
Inside, everything was polished perfection—crystal chandeliers, white marble floors, priceless paintings, and the kind of silence that only existed inside homes where enormous fortunes were protected behind enormous walls.
Elena Sterling stood near the grand staircase, one hand resting protectively over her pregnant belly.
She had never felt completely comfortable in this world.
Unlike the wealthy socialites who filled Julian Sterling's life, Elena had never needed diamonds to prove her worth. She had married Julian because she loved the man beneath the billions—the guarded, intensely loyal man who rarely showed emotion but would quietly move mountains for the people he loved.
Tonight, however, someone was watching her.
Claire Vance stood at the opposite end of the foyer in a striking red pantsuit.
Elegant.
Beautiful.
And furious.
For years, Claire had lived beside the Sterling-Vance empire, convincing herself that she deserved more. More influence. More money. More power.
And now, she believed Elena had taken everything from her.
Claire's eyes dropped toward Elena's stomach.
"You really think you've won, don't you?" she whispered.
Elena frowned.
"Claire, I don't know what you're talking about."
Claire stepped closer.
"You never belonged here."
Thunder shook the windows.
Elena instinctively took one step backward.
Claire smiled.
Then she raised her hand.
The slap cracked through the mansion like a gunshot.
Elena staggered.
Her heel caught the edge of the marble step.
Her eyes widened in horror.
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"Claire—"
And suddenly, she was falling.
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