Chapter 2 - The Weight of the Briefcase
Julian’s gaze swept across the chaotic hallway, taking in every devastating detail with chilling precision. He ignored his mother’s frantic, trembling explanation and dropped his leather briefcase onto a side table. The dull thud echoed loudly in the cavernous space. He looked down at the puddle of dark liquid near the marble pillar, then at Nurse Evelyn, who was frantically checking Clara’s faint pulse at the neck.
"Mother, what is the meaning of this?" Julian’s voice was dangerously low, stripped of any familial warmth. He stepped forward, his polished oxfords clicking against the scattered legal papers. He picked up one of the damp documents, his eyes narrowing as he read the bold header. It was a preliminary petition for divorce and complete forfeiture of matrimonial property, signed under extreme duress.
"She was trying to steal everything, Julian," Helena stammered, stepping into his path, her dark earrings swaying violently with the movement. "The girl was attempting to poison the family name with an illegitimate claim. You know what your father wanted for this estate. I was merely... protecting your birthright."
"By force-feeding my wife a chemical compound?" Julian shouted, his restrained composure finally snapping as he pushed past her. He dropped to his knees beside Clara, ignoring the silk of his light grey suit brushing against the spilled sedative. "Evelyn, is she breathing?"
"Faintly, Mr. Vanderbilt, but we need an ambulance immediately," Evelyn urged, pressing a cloth to Clara’s forehead where a small bruise was beginning to form. "The dosage she ingested was potent. It could harm the fetus."
Julian scooped Clara into his arms, rising effortlessly despite the urgency. He looked back at his mother, his expression hardened into an impenetrable mask of pure disdain. "If she and the child die, Mother, you will spend the rest of your natural life in a maximum-security prison. I will personally ensure the Vanderbilt fortune is liquidated to fund your prosecution."
Helena staggered backward, clutching her chest as if physically struck. "You wouldn't dare destroy your own family for a gold-digger."
"The family died the day Father put you in charge of this mausoleum," Julian spat over his shoulder as he carried Clara toward the waiting vehicle outside.
May you like
Evelyn hurried behind them, gathering the scattered papers. As she reached the threshold, her phone buzzed violently in her uniform pocket. She pulled it out, glancing at the screen. An unknown number flashed with a single text message that made her blood run cold: Leave the hospital now, or you're next.
---
