Chapter 1 - The Golden Cage
The music swelling through the grand ballroom felt more like a funeral march to Avery.
She forced another flawless smile for the cameras.
Her hand rested delicately on the arm of her husband, Liam Sterling.
Liam looked handsome in his tailored tuxedo, but his eyes were distant and glassy.
Victoria Sterling stood across the room, watching Avery like a hawk.
The matriarch of the family held a crystal champagne flute with a grip that could crush diamonds.
Avery excused herself from the crowd, desperate to check on her one-month-old son, Leo.
She slipped past the security detail and hurried down the lavish marble hallway toward the nursery.
As she approached the heavy oak door, she heard hushed voices coming from Victoria's private study.
Avery paused, pressing her ear against the cool wood.
Victoria was speaking to the family's senior legal counsel.
"Liam is completely under the influence of the medication, just as we planned," Victoria whispered.
Avery felt her blood run cold.
"The divorce papers are already signed," the lawyer confirmed.
Victoria let out a soft, wicked laugh.
"Good, because that working-class trash is leaving tonight."
Avery covered her mouth to muffle a gasp.
"And what about the child?" the lawyer asked hesitantly.
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"Leo stays with the Sterlings, of course," Victoria replied smoothly.
"Especially since I just received the DNA results proving the baby isn't even Liam's."
