Chapter 3 - The Arrival of the Patriarch
Three days later, Elena was discharged and moved into a highly secure, private penthouse in Tribeca.
Maya had handled the real estate, ensuring the building had bulletproof glass and ex-military security guards at every entrance.
Elena was feeding Leo in a sunlit nursery when the intercom buzzed.
"Ms. Sterling," the head of security announced over the speaker.
"I know you dropped the name, but there is an Arthur Sterling here demanding to see you."
Elena froze, the bottle hovering inches from Leo’s mouth.
Arthur Sterling was Julian’s father, the ruthless founder of Sterling Corp, and a man who rarely left his Hamptons estate.
He was the dragon guarding the family gold, and he had never been particularly warm to Elena.
"Send him up," Elena said, her voice betraying none of her internal panic.
Ten minutes later, the heavy mahogany doors of her penthouse opened.
Arthur stood in the foyer, leaning heavily on a silver-tipped cane, his sharp blue eyes sweeping the room.
He didn't look at the expensive art or the panoramic views.
His gaze locked instantly onto the bundle in Elena’s arms.
"I heard a rumor that made my son look like a complete fool," Arthur rasped, stepping forward.
"I came to see if it was true."
Elena didn't retreat, standing her ground against the billionaire patriarch.
"There are no rumors here, Arthur," she replied firmly.
"Only my son."
Arthur walked closer, staring down at the infant’s face.
Leo opened his eyes, revealing the unmistakable, piercing Sterling blue.
The old man let out a long, shuddering breath.
"Julian is an idiot," Arthur declared, the words hanging heavy in the quiet room.
"I always knew he was weak, easily manipulated by that PR girl."
"But to throw away his wife and his only heir?"
Arthur shook his head, looking at Elena with newfound respect.
"What do you want, Arthur?" Elena asked, keeping her distance.
"I want to protect my bloodline," he said, slamming his cane against the floor.
"Julian is dead to me."
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"I am rewriting the family trust tomorrow morning."
"Leo gets everything, and you, Elena, will hold the proxy."
