Chapter 2 - The Heir
The Sterling Tower’s subterranean levels were designed as a fallout shelter for Julian’s executives. Tonight, it was a delivery room.
Under the blinding surgical lights, Julian stood by Elena’s side, wearing sterile scrubs over his ruined suit. The next three hours were a blur of blood, screaming, and sheer terror. Every time the fetal heart monitor dipped, Julian felt his own heart stop.
But Elena was a fighter. She always had been.
At 3:14 AM, the sterile room was pierced by the sharp, angry cry of a newborn.
The lead surgeon smiled beneath his mask, quickly wrapping the infant in a heated blanket. “A boy, Mr. Sterling. A healthy baby boy.”
Julian took the small bundle. The baby had a shock of dark hair, exactly like Julian’s, and when he opened his eyes, they were the same piercing green as Elena’s. A tear slipped down the billionaire’s cheek—a man who ruthlessly dismantled corporations without breaking a sweat was crying over seven pounds of life.
He brought the baby to Elena, resting the child on her chest.
“He’s beautiful,” Julian choked out, pressing his forehead against hers. “What do we name him?”
“Leo,” she whispered exhausted, kissing the baby’s head. “Because he’s going to need a lion’s strength.”
The tender moment was shattered by the heavy metal doors of the surgical suite sliding open. Marcus, Julian’s head of security, stepped in. His tactical vest was dusted with drywall, and he held a suppressed rifle.
“Sir,” Marcus said grimly. “The decoy convoy at Mercy General was hit. Professional mercenaries. They shot up the ER looking for her. And worse… we have a breach here. Someone triggered the Tower’s internal security alarm from the 50th floor. They know you’re in the building.”
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Julian’s eyes hardened. The brief moment of peace was over. He looked at his exhausted wife and his newborn son.
“Get the armored transport ready,” Julian commanded. “We’re going to the stronghold. No one touches my family.”
