Chapter 7 - Chloe's Move
Elena’s maternal instincts flared into overdrive.
She rushed to the bassinet and scooped her sleeping son into her arms.
Silas stepped in front of her, his entire posture radiating lethal intent.
“How did she get past the lobby?” Silas demanded.
“She brought a team of private federal marshals,” the security guard replied.
“She claims she has a warrant.”
The polished steel doors of the private elevator slid open.
Chloe Sterling stepped into the penthouse.
She was wearing a pristine white designer coat and a smug, victorious smile.
Her massive diamond wedding ring caught the light as she walked into the library.
She was flanked by three serious-looking men with badges hanging from their necks.
“Hello, Elena,” Chloe purred, her eyes darting to the baby.
“You look terrible.”
“Get out of my home, Chloe,” Silas warned, his voice dangerously low.
Chloe laughed, a sharp, grating sound.
“I am not here for you, Silas.”
She turned to the marshals.
“Show them the paperwork.”
One of the men stepped forward and handed Silas a legal document.
“This is an emergency injunction for the surrender of stolen corporate property,” Chloe announced proudly.
Elena clutched her baby tighter.
“He is a human being, not corporate property!” Elena shouted.
Chloe tilted her head, her smile turning incredibly cruel.
“Actually, darling, that baby was created using genetic material stored at a Sterling-owned facility.”
“Since Julian is not the father, the embryo is technically classified as an unauthorized extraction of medical assets.”
Silas scanned the document, his jaw clenching.
“This warrant is completely baseless,” Silas stated.
“A corrupt judge signed it because Julian paid him.”
“It doesn't matter how we got it,” Chloe smirked.
“The law says the child must be placed in temporary state custody while the clinic investigates the 'mix-up'.”
Chloe stepped closer to Elena.
“You really thought you could hide from us?” Chloe whispered.
“You are a broke, unemployed divorcee.”
“You have no power here.”
Elena looked into the cold, calculating eyes of the woman who had ruined her marriage.
“You did this, Chloe.”
“You paid the embryologist to swap the vials.”
Chloe scoffed loudly.
“That is a wild accusation, Elena.”
“You sound completely unstable.”
Chloe leaned in extremely close, dropping her voice so the marshals couldn't hear.
“Of course I did it, you pathetic idiot.”
“I needed a backup plan to secure Julian's throne.”
“It's a shame you got to keep the prize.”
Chloe pulled back, fixing her perfect hair.
“Hand over the baby, Elena.”
“Or the marshals will take him by force.”
Elena looked at Silas in absolute terror.
But Silas wasn't looking at the marshals.
May you like
He was looking directly at Elena's hospital gown pocket.
And Elena slowly realized she was still holding the phone she had used to record her baby's heartbeat that morning.
