Chapter 2 - The Dinner
Helena’s house looked beautiful from the outside, with golden lights shining through tall windows and white flowers lining the entrance.
Inside, the atmosphere was cold.
Marcus barely greeted Daniel. Dr. Crane was already seated near Helena, a medical bag placed beside his chair.
During dinner, Helena spoke constantly about the family trust.
“You are about to become responsible for properties, investments and hundreds of employees,” she told Clara. “Pregnancy can affect judgment.”
Clara put down her fork.
“My pregnancy does not make me incompetent.”
“No one said that,” Marcus replied. “We are suggesting temporary protection.”
He slid a document across the table.
Daniel picked it up before Clara could.
It was a power-of-attorney form granting Marcus control over Clara’s financial decisions.
“You invited us here to make her sign this?” Daniel asked.
“It is a precaution,” Helena said.
Clara tore the document in half.
“I will never give Marcus control of my inheritance.”
Marcus’s face hardened.
Dr. Crane stood and removed a blood-pressure cuff from his bag.
“Stress is dangerous in late pregnancy,” he said. “Let me examine you.”
“I’m leaving,” Clara replied.
She rose from the table, but the room tilted beneath her. She grabbed the chair for support.
Daniel rushed toward her.
“What did you give her?”
“No one gave her anything,” Helena said.
Clara’s knees weakened. Daniel caught her before she fell.
Dr. Crane immediately moved forward and injected something into her arm.
Daniel grabbed his wrist.
“What is that?”
“A medication to stabilize her.”
Clara’s eyes found Daniel’s.
May you like
There was fear in them.
Then they closed.
