Chapter 19 - Midnight at the Front Gate
Thunder rolled across the hills surrounding Daniel’s estate like artillery fire. Sheets of torrential rain battered the massive glass facade of the residence. It was 1:45 AM when the estate’s security alarm blared, flashing crimson warning lights through the darkened corridors.
Daniel leaped out of bed, grabbing his phone and rushing down the grand staircase. Two armed private security guards were already at the front entrance, their wet coats glistening as they monitored the exterior perimeter feeds on the command tablet.
"What is it?" Daniel demanded.
"A vehicle just rammed the exterior wrought-iron security gate, Mr. Sterling," the head guard reported grimly. "The gate held, but the driver won't leave. It’s Mrs. Sterling."
Daniel threw on a heavy waterproof jacket and walked down the long, illuminated driveway, flanked by the guards. Rain lashed at his face, soaking him within seconds.
At the mangled iron gate, Victoria’s silver Mercedes SUV sat idling, its front bumper crumpled against the reinforced steel bars. Victoria stood outside the vehicle in the pouring rain, soaked to the bone, her hair plastered to her skull, wearing an evening gown torn at the hem. She looked completely unhinged, her eyes wild with fury and alcohol.
"Open this gate, Daniel!" she shrieked over the howling wind, rattling the metal bars with both hands. "Open the gate and bring me my daughter!"
"Victoria, you are violating a protective order!" Daniel shouted back through the intercom speaker at the gatepost. "The police are already on their way! Leave before you get arrested!"
Victoria let out a chilling, hysterical laugh that pierced through the thunderclap. "Arrest me? You think you can keep her from me? You pathetic, blind fool! You think Lily is your perfect little legacy?"
Daniel froze.
May you like
Victoria pressed her face against the iron bars, her eyes wide with malicious triumph. "Why do you think I hated looking at her, Daniel? Why do you think I couldn't stand her pathetic little face in this house? Run a DNA test, Daniel! Run the test! She isn't yours!"
***
