Chapter 3 - The Sanctuary in GreenwichTwo weeks passed like a sunlit dream after a long, dark winter storm.
The fifty-acre Vane Estate in Greenwich, Connecticut—surrounded by ancient oak trees, blooming white hydrangeas, and wide sunlit stone terraces overlooking Long Island Sound—sat bathed in golden afternoon light.
The dark memories of Caleb’s arrogance were completely erased from the mansion. His clothes, his luxury cars, and his private office belongings had been packed into boxes and dropped outside his defense attorney's office downtown.
Inside the sunlit master nursery on the second floor, two luxury white cribs, climate-controlled humidifiers, and soft organic cotton bedding had been prepared for my upcoming delivery.
I sat in a comfortable teak armchair near the wide French doors wearing a comfortable cream silk gown, holding a warm cup of chamomile tea, looking out over the sparkling blue waters of the sound.
Footsteps sounded softly on the wooden floorboards behind me.
Mr. Harlan walked into the nursery carrying a leather briefcase, accompanied by a world-renowned obstetrician, Dr. Elizabeth Reed, who had served as my father's private medical advisor.
"How are the Q4 trust reports looking, Mr. Harlan?" I asked warmly, turning my head to offer a genuine smile.
"Flawless, Chairwoman Vane," Mr. Harlan reported, a rare, proud smile softening his sharp features. "Vane Global Holdings stock has surged by eighteen percent following your official appointment as Chief Executive Officer. The board of directors voted unanimously this morning to confirm your absolute voting control."
"And Caleb?" I asked quietly.
"Caleb Vance is currently residing in a small two-bedroom apartment in Queens, funded by his criminal defense attorney," Mr. Harlan revealed deadpan. "The District Attorney’s office unsealed a twelve-count indictment against him an hour ago for corporate wire fraud, embezzlement, and grand tax evasion."
A sharp, sudden tightening rippled across my lower abdomen.
I set my teacup down flat on the side table, my hand coming up to gently cup the bottom of my heavy bump.
Dr. Reed stepped forward instantly, checking her watch, resting her warm hand against my wrist. "Contraction, Eleanor?"
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"Yes," I breathed out, a soft, radiant smile touching my lips as the wave passed. "A strong one."
"It's time, Chairwoman," Dr. Reed smiled warmly. "Your daughter is ready to meet her empire."
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