Chapter 232
No.1
The heavy silence in the bedroom was suffocating.Elisa stared at Germaine. The shock slowly morphed into a burning,acidic rage.
A sharp, mocking sneer twisted Elisa's lips. She crossed her arms tightly over her chest, her posture radiating absolute defiance.
"You are delusional," Elisaspat. "August has a mistress he flaunts in public. Do you honestly think he would abandon the woman he holds in the palm of his hand just for your breeding project? Your precious son would rather see the Chambers bloodline end than let her suffer the slightest grievance."①
Germaine's face turned a violent shade of purple.The calculated calm shattered.
She grabbed the heavy crystal water glass off the nightstand and hurled it across the room. It smashed against the floral wallpaper, showering the carpet
with sharp shards and water.
Germaine took a ragged breath, forcing her composure back.
No.2
"August requires an heir to secure the trust, and you,my dear, have a duty to provide one," Germaine hissed, her eyes narrowing into venomous slits. "As for the process... don't concern yourself. The Chambers family sponsors the finest reproductive specialists in the world. They will handle all the...technical details. You will simply be required to cooperate."
Elisa let out a dry laugh. "I would rather die."
"Perhaps," Germaine said softly. "But would you rather your grandfather die?"
The laugh died in Elisa's throat.
"Phineas is currently receiving experimental cardiac treatment at New York-Presbyterian," Germaine stated, her voice dropping to a terrifying whisper."The Chambers Family Trust is the largest board sponsor of thnat hospital. I have the power to cut funding to any clinical trial with a single phone call."
The words sliced through the air like a poisoned blade.
"If you do not agree to my terms today," Germaine said, "Phineas will be removed from the trial list by tomorrow morning. He will be dead by the end of the week."
No.3
Elisa's entire body went rigid.
The mockery vanished from her face. Pure,unadulterated panic slammed into her ches.Phineas was her only living family besides Kayden. He was her absolute weak point. Elisa's brain flashed to Dr.Blevins. Her mentor was a titan in the medical field,but his influence was purely academic. Germaine's power was a direct, financial stranglehold on the hospital's board of directors and funding chains.Distant water couldn't put out a nearby fire. Any attempt to call in favors would just alert Germaine and trigger the execution order before Blevins could even make a phone call. She couldn't gamble with her grandfather's life.
A homicidal fury exploded in Elisa's brain. She uncrossed her arms. Her hands curled into tight fists,the knuckles popping loudly in the quiet room. She
took a massive, aggressive step toward the bed,ready to wrap her hands around the old woman's throat.
Click.
The two bodyguards drew their weapons instantly.
Two bright red laser dots appeared directly over Elisa's heart. The high-pitched whine of the charging tasers filled the room.
No.4
Elisa froze. She stared down at the red dots on her wet coat.She was physically outmatched.
She bit down on her lower lip so hard she tasted hot,metallic blood. She forced her muscles to unlock,suppressing the violent urge to attack.
Germaine leaned back against the pillows, a smug,victorious smile spreading across her face.
"You will move back into the Tribeca penthouse today," Germaine ordered. "You will resume your cohabitation with August. Once the hospital confirms a successful pregnancy, I will give you the injunction."
Elisa's chest heaved. She needed proof. She couldn't
surrender without seeing the hostage.
"Show it to me," Elisa demanded, her voice shaking with suppressed rage. "Show me the decree."
No.5
Germaine smirked. She reached into her pocket,pulled out a small silver key, and unlocked the Hermes box. She slid out a thick stack of legal paper.She held up the last page.
Elisa's eyes locked onto the paper. She saw the blue ink of the judge's electronic signature and the heavy,embossed steel seal of the Manhattan Family Court.
It was reaI. Germaine held her freedom in her hands,
Elisa closed her eyes. She inhaled the sickening smell of the medical antiseptics. She had no choice.
She had to protect Phineas. She had to protect Kayden.
"Fine," Elisa whispered. The word tasted like ash in her mouth.
Germaine waved her hand dismissively. "Get out. The movers are already waiting for your instructions."
No.6
Elisa turned around. She kept her spine perfectly straight. She walked out of the heavy oak doors,her
wet boots leavinng dark stains on the carpet.
She walked down the grand staircase. The butler opened the front door, his face completely blank.
Elisa stepped out into the freezing rain. She let the water hit her face, washing away the tears of pure frustration that threatened to fall.
She got into the Maybach and slammed the door.
The second she was alone, the dam broke. Elisa gripped the steering wheel and let out a raw, piercing scream of absolute fury. She slammed her fists against the leather dash, the car horn blaring loudly over the sound of the storm.
She panted heavily, her chest burning.
No.7
Slowly, the screaming stopped. Her eyes lifted to the rearview mirror. The panic was gone. Her dark eyes were now as cold and deadly as a glacier.
She started the engine. The massive tires spun on the wet pavement, screeching loudly as she whipped the car around and sped back toward Manhattan.