The grandfather clock in the corner of the private dining salon struck eight heavy chimes, each note echoing off the polished marble tiles[span_0](start_span)[span_0](end_span)[span_1](start_span)[span_1](end_span).
Elena smoothed down the delicate lace on the cuffs of her ivory dinner dress, her fingers trembling slightly against the cool fabric[span_2](start_span)[span_2](end_span).
Elena: Julian, where is my family? You told me forty minutes ago that the hotel shuttle was dropping them at the east courtyard gate[span_3](start_span)[span_3](end_span).
Julian: Don’t get anxious, Elena. I asked the driver to take them to the downstairs club lounge for a drink while we settle an estate issue with Mother[span_4](start_span)[span_4](end_span)[span_5](start_span)[span_5](end_span).
Elena: Settle an estate issue right now? The rehearsal dinner was scheduled to begin at seven-thirty[span_6](start_span)[span_6](end_span)[span_7](start_span)[span_7](end_span). Our guests are downstairs waiting for us[span_8](start_span)[span_8](end_span).
Victoria Sterling tapped her heavy gold fountain pen against the crystal rim of her water goblet, the sharp glass ping cutting through the room[span_9](start_span)[span_9](end_span).
Victoria: Lower your voice, Elena. In this family, we do not let minor scheduling conflicts disrupt necessary family legal matters[span_10](start_span)[span_10](end_span).
Elena: We spent six weeks with your firm's attorneys finalizing the prenuptial agreement, Victoria. I signed every page you gave me[span_11](start_span)[span_11](end_span)[span_12](start_span)[span_12](end_span).
Victoria: That contract was drawn up before your private clinic appointment yesterday morning[span_13](start_span)[span_13](end_span).
Victoria slid a thick, dark navy leather binder across the damask tablecloth, pushing it until the metal corners pressed against Elena’s fingers[span_14](start_span)[span_14](end_span).
Elena: You had people monitoring my private medical appointments?[span_15](start_span)[span_15](end_span)
Julian: Elena, please listen before you overreact. The family foundation physician was just asked to verify your bloodwork[span_16](start_span)[span_16](end_span)[span_17](start_span)[span_17](end_span).
Elena: You pulled my confidential medical files behind my back without telling me?[span_18](start_span)[span_18](end_span)
Julian: You are carrying a child with my bloodline, Elena! That changes every single dollar in our inheritance structure[span_19](start_span)[span_19](end_span)[span_20](start_span)[span_20](end_span)!
Elena: This is our child, Julian. Not an item in a portfolio audit[span_21](start_span)[span_21](end_span)[span_22](start_span)[span_22](end_span).
Victoria: Every child born to a Sterling heir is legally tied to the Sterling trust fund[span_23](start_span)[span_23](end_span)[span_24](start_span)[span_24](end_span). Open the folder to page fourteen[span_25](start_span)[span_25](end_span).
Elena opened the binder with cold fingers, her eyes scanning down the crisp lines of black ink until the air trapped in her lungs[span_26](start_span)[span_26](end_span).
Elena: A custody waiver? You want me to give up sole legal and physical custody of my baby before birth?[span_27](start_span)[span_27](end_span)[span_28](start_span)[span_28](end_span)
Victoria: If a separation occurs, you receive ten million dollars from the family estate, but you surrender every parental right forever[span_29](start_span)[span_29](end_span)[span_30](start_span)[span_30](end_span). Sign it, or tomorrow’s wedding is canceled[span_31](start_span)[span_31](end_span).
Elena looked directly at the man she had loved for three years, waiting for him to object, but Julian only turned his eyes to the floor[span_32](start_span)[span_32](end_span).
Her hand slid slowly into her evening purse, her fingers brushing the stiff manila paper she had carried with her all evening[span_33](start_span)[span_33](end_span).