Chapter 15 - The Morning of the Announcement
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Nathaniel didn't sleep. He spent the rest of the night in Clare's room, guarding the door while she rested fitfully.
By 9:00 AM, the estate was buzzing with activity. Caterers and public relations teams were setting up for the noon press conference on the back lawn, where Nathaniel and Victoria were supposed to announce their engagement to the world.
"It's time," Nathaniel told Clare, packing her small bag. "I've sent the files to my lawyers. The moment we are off this property, the FBI gets the drive. My father is finished."
Clare looked pale but determined. "Let's go."
They walked out of the room and headed toward the grand marble staircase that overlooked the main foyer.
But they weren't alone.
Standing on the landing above the stairs were Douglas, Eleanor, and Victoria. They blocked the path to the elevators and the back exit.
"Going somewhere, Nathaniel?" Douglas asked, his eyes filled with a cold, terrifying fury.
"We're leaving," Nathaniel said, stepping in front of Clare to shield her. "It's over, Douglas. I have the Cayman files. The FBI will be at headquarters in an hour."
Eleanor gripped the marble banister, her face turning purple with rage. "You would destroy your own legacy for this... this nobody?"
"She is my future," Nathaniel said firmly. "You are my past."
Victoria stepped forward, her eyes locked on Clare's slightly rounded stomach. The hatred in her gaze was venomous.
"She’s ruined everything," Victoria hissed.
"If she loses that baby, none of you walk away," Nathaniel warned, his voice echoing like thunder in the cavernous hallway. "Move out of our way."
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Douglas didn't move. Eleanor didn't move.
And then, Victoria lunged.
