Chapter 10: Shadows of the Past
While peace settled over the Sterling estate, the outside world was not entirely willing to let go of the juicy gossip. Tabloids and society gossip columns occasionally ran sensationalized headlines about the sudden, bitter split between Julian Sterling and his socialite wife, speculating wildly about the reasons behind the divorce. However, because Julian’s legal team had locked down the security footage and enforced strict non-disclosure agreements, Clara’s name and presence within the mansion remained entirely out of the public eye.
One afternoon, while Mrs. Higgins was away attending to estate business in town, Clara decided to stretch her legs and walk down the grand hallway where the incident had occurred weeks prior. The antique mirror had long since been replaced by a stunning, modern abstract painting that brought warmth and color to the white marble walls. All traces of shattered glass and spilled water were entirely gone.
As Clara stood admiring the new artwork, a sudden knock echoed from the grand front entrance doors. Assuming it was the grocery delivery or Mrs. Higgins returning early, Clara walked slowly toward the foyer and pulled the heavy wooden door open.
Standing on the porch was not a delivery driver, but a middle-aged woman impeccably dressed in a tailored Chanel suit with sharp blonde highlights framing her face. It was Beatrice Vance, Elena’s mother. Her expression was a chilling replica of her daughter’s aristocratic disdain.
“So, you are the little domestic who managed to tear our family apart and manipulate Julian into discarding my daughter,” Beatrice said coldly, stepping past Clara uninvited into the foyer without waiting for an invitation.
Clara froze, a sudden spike of adrenaline rushing through her veins. Despite her growth in confidence over the past weeks, the sheer intimidation of the Vance family matriarch momentarily paralyzed her. She stepped back, placing a protective hand over her swollen belly.
May you like
“Mrs. Vance, you are trespassing,” Clara said, summoning as much firmness into her voice as she could muster. “Mr. Sterling’s home is off-limits to your family. Please leave immediately, or I will call security.”
“You little nobody dare speak to me about trespassing in my own daughter's marital home?” Beatrice sneered, stepping closer with a predatory glint in her eyes. “Elena may be temporarily sidelined, but our family’s influence in this city spans generations. Do you honestly believe a wealthy developer is going to throw away his entire social standing for an unwed pregnant maid? He is merely using you as a temporary pawn to spite Elena, and the moment the child is born, you will be cast out onto the streets with nothing.”
