Chapter 1: The First Contraction
Chapter 1: The First Contraction
The confirmation appeared on my cracked screen.
AUTHORIZATION SUCCESSFUL.
For three seconds, I felt nothing but relief.
Then another cramp tore through my abdomen.
This one was sharper.
Longer.
My fingers curled against the hardwood as I fought to breathe without making a sound.
Adrian was still standing over me, too busy enjoying his own power to notice that mine had already moved through six banks, three law firms, and every company holding his empire together.
Vanessa tilted her champagne flute.
“Well?” she asked. “Are you going to get up?”
I looked down.
A dark stain had begun spreading beneath the hem of my nightgown.
My blood.
Adrian saw it too.
His expression changed for half a second.
Not concern.
Annoyance.
“Clean that up before anyone sees it.”
I stared at him.
“You’re bleeding,” Vanessa said, taking one cautious step backward.
“She’s always bleeding or cramping or fainting,” Adrian snapped. “It’s how she gets attention.”
Another contraction gripped me.
I pressed both hands over my belly.
One twin moved.
Then the other.
They were still with me.
For now.
My phone vibrated.
A message appeared from Claire Donovan, my attorney.
Transfer complete. Board control secured. Security team en route. Ambulance also dispatched. Do not let him move you.
Adrian reached for the phone.
I pulled it beneath my body.
His eyes narrowed.
“What did you do?”
Downstairs, the music abruptly stopped.
The silence that followed was more powerful than any scream.
Then came the sound of heavy footsteps entering the foyer.
Not party guests.
Not caterers.
Security.
Adrian turned toward the bedroom door.
A deep voice echoed from below.
“Mr. Cross, this property is now under the control of Bellweather Holdings. All guests must leave immediately.”
Adrian went perfectly still.
Vanessa lowered her glass.
I rested my cheek against the floor and finally allowed myself a small smile.
May you like
The takeover had begun.
But so had my labor.
