Chapter 3 - The Sterling Estate|
The Rolls-Royce glided smoothly through massive gilded iron gates, entering an estate so vast I felt like I had crossed the border into another country.
“Welcome home, Clara,” Eleanor said softly.
She hadn't let go of my hand for the entire ride. Her grip was warm, the diamonds on her fingers occasionally brushing my skin, a constant reminder that this wasn't a hallucination. I looked out the tinted window, overwhelmed by the grand marble fountains and perfectly manicured green lawns stretching for acres.
When the car stopped in front of a neoclassical mansion, a line of uniformed staff was already waiting in perfect formation.
“Dr. Evans is waiting in the private medical wing, Madam,” an elderly butler bowed deeply.
“Good,” Eleanor nodded. “Clara, you need a full check-up. I will not let you or my grandchild face any more risks.”
I was ushered into a room equipped with medical technology more advanced than a top-tier hospital. Dr. Evans, a kind woman in her fifties, gently performed an ultrasound and a comprehensive exam. For the first time in months, I heard my son's heartbeat echoing strongly through the speakers without Julian's shouting in the background.
“The fetus is perfectly healthy, Madam,” the doctor smiled. “The young miss is just a bit malnourished and fatigued. We need to start her on a premium nutritional plan immediately.”
Eleanor breathed a sigh of relief, another tear slipping down her aristocratic cheek. But when the doctor pulled out a small syringe to draw blood, I pulled my arm back.
“Wait,” I said, looking straight into Eleanor's eyes. “You say I'm your daughter. But we both need undeniable proof, don't we?”
May you like
Eleanor smiled, a beautiful mixture of pride and lingering pain.
“Of course, my darling. That sharpness... you are more like me than you realize. Run the DNA test.”
