Chapter 3 - The Blanket
For three years, Eleanor had imagined what would happen if she ever saw Adrian again.
She had rehearsed apologies in her head while sitting alone in her empty five-bedroom townhome while Grant was "working late." She had drafted letters she never sent. She had looked at old family photographs buried in the back of her closet, remembering the way Adrian used to sit up with her when she had nightmares after their mother died.
She had expected him to be furious. She had expected him to say I told you so. She had expected him to remind her that she chose a liar over her own blood.
Adrian didn't say any of those things.
He reached into his dark wool overcoat, unbuttoned it, and pulled it off his shoulders. Without a word, he stepped close to her, wrapped the heavy, warm cashmere coat around her wet, shivering shoulders, and pulled the lapels together over her stained dress.
The scent of his cologne—sandalwood, cedar, and cedarwood—instantly enveloped her. It was the scent of her childhood. The scent of safety.
“You’re cold, Ellie,” Adrian said gently.
Eleanor broke.
A sob wrenched its way out of her chest, violent and sudden. She gripped the front of his coat with both hands, her forehead pressing against his chest, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably.
“I’m sorry,” she wept into his shirt. “Adrian, I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry—”
Adrian wrapped his arms around her, holding her firmly, shielding her pregnant body from the gaze of the crowd. He rested his chin against the top of her hair.
“Quiet now,” he whispered. “You don't apologize to us. Ever.”
Julian stepped up onto the stage beside them. He looked down at Grant, who was still on his knees, breathing heavily, supported by a terrified Serena.
Julian clicked his pen once.
“Grant Mercer,” Julian said in the dry, terrifyingly even tone he used when delivering closing arguments in high-stakes litigation. “At 8:14 p.m., you committed third-degree assault against Eleanor Caldwell-Mercer in full view of eight hundred witnesses and ninety-four recording devices.”
Grant looked up, his face pale, blood trickling from a small cut on his lip. “She’s my wife! This is a domestic matter—”
“She was your wife,” Julian corrected calmly. “As of forty-five seconds ago, her power of attorney, legal representation, and personal security have been assumed by Caldwell Global Holdings. You do not own the air she breathes. You do not own the floor she stands on.”
Julian took a paper from his coat pocket and dropped it onto Grant’s lap.
“What is this?” Grant rasped.
“A freeze order on your primary operating accounts at First Illinois Bank,” Julian said, smiling without any humor. “Did you really think we didn't know you used your wife’s trust equity as collateral for your West Loop developments? Did you really think we weren't watching?”
Grant’s eyes went wide. “You can’t do that! Those projects are in mid-construction! If those accounts freeze, the contractors walk tomorrow!”
“Then I suggest you buy some work boots,” Gabriel said, stepping up beside Julian, his gloved hands resting casually on his belt. “Because you’re going to be digging those foundations yourself.”
Serena backed away slowly, trying to blend into the velvet curtains near the backstage door.
Gabriel didn't even look at her. “Don't bother running, Miss Blake,” he said casually. “The IRS audit on your boutique marketing firm cleared three hours ago. You have about forty minutes before the federal agents knock on your condo door.”
Serena froze, her face turning gray.
Adrian didn't pay attention to any of it. He kept his arm around Eleanor, turning her slowly away from the stage, guiding her toward the center aisle.
“Can you walk, Ellie?” Adrian asked softly.
Eleanor looked up through her tears. The ballroom guests were standing in total silence now, lining both sides of the aisle like statues. The people who had laughed at her three minutes ago were now cowering against their tables, terrified that the Caldwell brothers might notice them.
May you like
“I can walk,” Eleanor whispered.
“Then let’s go home,” Adrian said.
