Chapter 26
CHAPTER 26 — THE RIFT
The death of Eleanor Whitmore didn't stop the wolves; it only made them hungrier.
The mansion was breached by federal agents twenty minutes later. Because of the legal deadlock caused by Eleanor’s sudden death, Lily wasn't handed over to Thomas immediately. Instead, she was placed into a secure, state-monitored child protection facility in upstate New York while the courts scrambled to sort out the multi-billion dollar custody battle.
Two weeks later, Claire sat in a cheap diner across from Alexander. The wealth was gone; their assets were frozen, and they were living off a secret cash reserve Anna had hidden years ago.
"We’re losing her, Alex," Claire said, her eyes dark with exhaustion. "Thomas’s lawyers are filing an emergency injunction tomorrow. They’re going to bypass Mother’s deadlock by claiming she committed suicide under psychological distress, which invalidates her final legal veto."
Alexander didn't look at her. He was staring at a map of the state-monitored facility where Lily was being held.
"The courts won't save us, Claire," Alexander said, his voice dropping to a harsh, dangerous whisper. "Mother gave us twelve months, but we don't even have twelve hours. I’m breaking her out tonight."
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"Are you insane?" Claire whispered. "If you get caught, Thomas wins automatically! You’ll be in a federal penitentiary, and I’ll be left alone."
"Then don't be alone," Alexander said, looking up, his eyes burning with the same ruthless light that used to belong to Eleanor. "Call Anna. Call whoever is left from the old guard. We aren't billionaires anymore, Claire. We are ghosts. And it’s time we started acting like it."
