Chapter 1 — The Return of the Sterling Name
Chapter 1 — The Return of the Sterling Name
The knock never came.
The penthouse door burst open with a security override just as the elevator chimed.
Two paramedics hurried inside, followed by a gray-haired man in a navy overcoat who looked nothing like the billionaire magazines loved to photograph.
To Clare, he was simply her father.
Robert Sterling dropped to his knees beside her without a word.
His eyes searched every bruise, every cut, every trembling breath.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
Then he carefully brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
"I'm here."
The words were barely louder than a whisper.
Clare closed her eyes.
For the first time in years, she believed them.
The lead paramedic began checking her injuries while another prepared a stretcher.
Robert stood only after making certain she was conscious.
His longtime attorney, David Henderson, entered moments later carrying a leather portfolio.
"I've already contacted the police," Henderson said quietly.
Robert nodded once.
"Everything stays within the law."
Henderson understood immediately.
Every photograph.
Every medical report.
Every security recording.
Every witness.
Nothing would be overlooked.
As Clare was wheeled toward the elevator, she looked back at the apartment she had once called home.
It suddenly felt like someone else's life.
Robert walked beside the stretcher.
"You don't ever have to go back there."
She didn't answer.
May you like
She simply reached for his hand.
He held it all the way to the ambulance.
