Chapter 3 - The Web of Deceit Unravels
Dominic tried to puff out his chest, but his hand was trembling against Sophia’s baby blanket.
"Look here, old man," Dominic stammered, trying to regain his footing. "I don't care how many bodyguards you hired. We have a legally binding surrogacy contract. Vivienne signed away her parental rights. She's been paid. This child is legally mine and Chloe's!"
Sarah Jenkins stepped forward, opening a sleek leather briefcase.
"Mr. Vance," Sarah said, her voice smooth and deadly. "I suggest you choose your next words very carefully. I am Sarah Jenkins, head of legal affairs for Sterling Global Holdings. And we have already reviewed the file your mother so foolishly left on Vivienne's bed."
Eleanor’s face went pale at the mention of Sterling Global Holdings. "Sterling... as in the shipping and steel conglomerate?" she whispered, her voice cracking.
"The very same, Mrs. Vance," Sarah replied with a chilling smile.
Sarah pulled up a tablet and displayed a document.
EXHIBIT A: THE FRAUDULENT CONTRACT
Alleged Sign-Date: October 14th
Vivienne’s Location: Boston Charity Gala (Hosted by the Governor; 150 witnesses and national press coverage placing Vivienne there).
Notary Location: Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Transfer: A $200,000 transaction originating from a shell corporation owned by Eleanor Vance, routed to an offshore account that does not belong to Vivienne Sterling.
"To put this in simple terms for you, Dominic," Sarah continued, her eyes flashing. "You forged your wife's signature on a surrogacy agreement. You used a crooked notary in Nevada who has already been arrested by federal agents as of seven minutes ago. And you attempted to use this forged document to abduct an infant from a hospital."
"No... that's impossible," Chloe whimpered, clutching Dominic's arm. "Dominic, you said she was just a nobody! You said her family was poor!"
Dominic looked at me, his eyes wide with horror and realization. "Vivienne... you... your father is Arthur Sterling? Why didn't you tell me?!"
"Because I wanted to know if you loved me, Dominic," I said, my voice stronger now. "And now I know exactly what you are."
Arthur stepped closer to Dominic, his towering presence entirely eclipsing my husband.
"Give. Me. My. Granddaughter," Arthur growled.
May you like
Dominic, completely broken, slowly lowered Sophia back into my arms. The moment my daughter was back against my chest, her cries subsided into soft, warm sighs. I held her tight, kissing her forehead, feeling her tiny heartbeat against mine.
"You're safe now, Sophia," I whispered. "Mommy has you."
