Chapter 2 - The Mother-in-Law
Peace in the Sterling household lasted exactly three weeks before Vivian arrived.
Vivian was Elena’s mother, a woman made of old money, sharp cheekbones, and relentless judgment. She swept into the foyer wrapped in mink, demanding to see her granddaughters and the "so-called professional" Arthur had hired.
When Clara walked down the stairs in a simple cardigan and jeans, holding Maya’s hand, Vivian’s face contorted in disgust.
"A maid?" Vivian spat, turning to Arthur. "You replaced five elite nannies with the help? My daughter’s children are not charity projects, Arthur. They need refinement. They need society."
"They need to sleep through the night, Vivian, and Clara makes that happen," Arthur said coldly.
Vivian stepped dangerously close to Clara. "Don't think I don't see what you're doing. You think you can play mommy to two vulnerable little girls and seduce a grieving billionaire. I will have child services at this door by morning if you don't throw her out."
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Clara didn't shrink back. She looked Vivian dead in the eye. "Mrs. Sterling, I have no interest in Mr. Sterling's bank accounts. But yesterday, Mia laughed for the first time in a year. If you want to take that away from her because my clothes don't have designer labels, you can try. But you'll have to go through me."
Arthur watched, completely stunned. For the first time in his life, a woman had defended his family without asking for his permission.
