Chapter 2 - The Mercy Ward
Years ago, before the Sterlings, before Julian, Clara had been a graveyard-shift nurse at Mercy General. It was a chaotic Tuesday when a man was wheeled into Ward 4 with three bullet holes in his chest and no identification. The cartel that put them there had sent two assassins to finish the job in the ICU.
Clara had locked the ward doors, hidden the man in a sterilized supply closet, and lied to the gunmen with a gun pressed to her own temple. She saved Elias Thorne’s life that night, and the underworld kingpin had made her a promise: One call. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, my life is yours.
Now, standing in the Sterling foyer, Elias was cashing that blank check.
"Who are you?" Eleanor demanded, her crystal snifter trembling slightly as she took in the imposing figure tracking muddy water onto her pristine floors.
"I am the consequence of your actions," Elias said smoothly. He didn't raise his voice. He didn't need to. "A silver wedding band was removed from Clara Vance’s finger. I am here to collect it."
The two private security guards stepped forward, reaching for their weapons. Elias didn't even flinch. Before their hands could graze their holsters, four red laser sights painted their chests from the darkness outside the door. The guards froze, swallowing hard.
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Richard’s face drained of color. "This is private property. Whatever she told you, she’s a thief. That ring belongs to the Sterling estate."
"I don't care if it belongs to the Crown Jewels," Elias replied, stepping within inches of Richard. "Hand it over, or I will let my men dismantle this house brick by brick to find it."
