Chapter 9 - The Ghost in the SafeAt midnight, the mansion was silent save for the low hum of the air conditioning. Julian was sound asleep beside her, lulled into a sense of total victory by Clara’s convincing performance.
Clara slipped out from beneath the covers, her movement silent as a ghost.
She glided into Julian’s private study, ignoring the dull ache in her lower back. She knelt beside the oak paneling, pushing aside a painting to reveal his private safe. Using the birthdate of Victoria—which Ethan’s background check had revealed—she keyed in the code.
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Click.
The safe swung open. Inside lay offshore bank transfers, forged medical power-of-attorney documents, and a signed trust agreement transferring Clara’s entire estate to Julian in the event of her demise during childbirth. Clara pulled out her phone, taking high-resolution photos of every single document.
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Chapter 10 - The Serpent's GalaThe following night was the annual Sterling Enterprises Charity Gala—a glittering event where Julian planned to make his official play for sole control of the board. He had assumed Clara would be bedridden, too ill to attend.
Chapter 11 - Whispers in the DarkDuring the cocktail hour, Clara maneuvered Victoria into the soundproof private VIP lounge near the back of the venue.
Chapter 12 - Storm in the Delivery RoomThe intense psychological pressure and sudden adrenaline triggered severe contractions. Right in the middle of the ballroom, Clara gasped, clutching her lower abdomen as a sharp wave of pain ripped through her.
Chapter 13 - The SwitchWhat Julian didn't know was that Ethan’s team had already intercepted the hospital dispatch twenty minutes prior.
Chapter 14 - Life Amidst DeathInside the delivery suite, the atmosphere was focused and sharp. Clara gritted her teeth, channeling all her anger, all her grief, and all her maternal instinct into every push.
Chapter 15 - The Executioner’s EntranceTen minutes later, the waiting room door opened. Julian walked into the recovery suite, putting on his best grieving face, carrying a leather briefcase containing the forged inheritance documents.
