Chapter 11 - The Hamptons Estate
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The Ashcroft estate in the Hamptons was a sprawling stone mansion surrounded by acres of manicured lawns and high security walls.
Nathaniel’s car tore up the gravel driveway, slamming to a halt in front of the grand entrance. He didn't wait for security to open the doors; he kicked the heavy oak open himself, his chest heaving.
"Where is she?!" Nathaniel’s voice echoed through the cavernous marble foyer.
"Keep your voice down," Eleanor Ashcroft snapped, stepping out of the drawing room. She wore a silk dressing gown and held a glass of wine, looking utterly unbothered.
"Where is Clare?" Nathaniel marched toward his mother, his hands balled into fists.
"She’s upstairs in the west wing guest room," Eleanor said coolly. "Resting. Pregnancy seems to have made her quite fragile. She cried the entire car ride here."
Nathaniel felt sick. "You abducted her."
"We invited her," Douglas corrected, emerging from his study with Victoria Bowmont trailing behind him like a shadow. "And she wisely accepted. Now, let’s talk business."
"There is no business. I'm taking her and we are leaving."
"If she walks out those doors with you, the police will be waiting," Douglas said calmly. "The evidence of her corporate espionage has already been sent to the district attorney. It's sitting on his desk right now."
Nathaniel froze.
"The charges will be dropped," Douglas continued, "on two conditions. First, you announce your engagement to Victoria tomorrow morning. Second, Ms. Whitmore signs a non-disclosure agreement, relinquishes all parental rights to the child, and leaves the country."
"You want me to give up my baby?" Nathaniel breathed, staring at the monsters who raised him.
"The child is an Ashcroft," Eleanor said sharply. "It will be raised here, by Victoria and you. Ms. Whitmore is unfit."
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"You're out of your damn minds," Nathaniel snarled, turning toward the stairs. "I'm getting Clare."
"If you go up those stairs, Nathaniel," Douglas warned, his voice turning deadly, "you seal her fate in a federal prison."
