Chapter 2 – The Blood They Could Never Erase
Julian forced out a laugh that sounded hollow even to himself.
"This is ridiculous," he said, straightening his tie. "There must be some mistake."
No one answered him.
The four security officers remained perfectly still.
Judge Carter lowered his glasses, watching the scene unfold with open curiosity.
Eleanor Sterling never took her eyes off Clara.
"I know exactly who you are," she whispered. "And I know every scar you've carried because of my failure."
Clara stepped back instinctively.
"You... you have the wrong person."
Eleanor slowly removed a velvet envelope from inside her coat.
"My investigators have searched for you for twenty-nine years."
Inside were photographs.
Hospital records.
DNA reports.
A faded newspaper clipping about a newborn girl who disappeared during a fire at Saint Margaret's Hospital.
The final document bore one sentence in bold.
Probability of maternity: 99.9999%.
Clara's knees nearly buckled.
She stared at the report until the words blurred.
"I don't understand..."
Eleanor's voice trembled.
"The hospital told me my baby died."
She swallowed painfully.
"They lied."
"They sold you."
A wave of horrified whispers swept across the courtroom.
Julian's confident smile disappeared.
He reached for Clara's arm.
"Baby... don't let these people manipulate you."
Before his fingers could touch her, one of Eleanor's security guards stepped between them.
"Do not touch Miss Sterling."
Julian blinked.
"Miss... Sterling?"
Eleanor finally turned toward him.
The warmth vanished from her face.
Only ice remained.
"You threatened my daughter."
"You mocked my grandchild."
"You celebrated leaving them homeless."
She took one slow step closer.
"I promise you, Mr. Lawson..."
May you like
"...today is the last day you will ever feel powerful."
Julian suddenly wasn't smiling anymore.
