Chapter 8 - The Birth
On Friday morning, while news outlets reported the complete surrender and resignation of Ethan Blackwood from Northstar Vertex, Claire was rushed to St. Jude’s Women’s Hospital in Manhattan.
Her baby was arriving two weeks early.
Inside the private delivery suite, Eleanor held Claire’s right hand, while Miles stood near the door, keeping constant watch over the security detail posted outside.
“Deep breaths, darling,” Eleanor encouraged gently, wiping a cool cloth across Claire’s forehead. “You're doing wonderfully.”
Claire gripped her mother's hand, her face flushed with effort as another contraction swept through her body. Despite the intense pain, her mind felt remarkably clear. The heartbreak that had consumed her at Hawthorne Hall had transformed into a calm, fierce determination to protect her child.
At 2:14 PM, the quiet room was filled with the loud, healthy cry of a newborn baby boy.
The doctor wrapped the infant in a soft warm blanket and placed him gently onto Claire’s chest. Claire collapsed back against her pillows, tears of pure joy finally streaming down her face as she looked down at her son’s tiny, perfect features.
“He’s beautiful, Claire,” Eleanor whispered, fighting back her own tears.
“What’s his name, sweetie?” her father, Charles, asked as he stepped quietly into the delivery room, his usual tough exterior completely melted by the sight of his grandson.
Claire looked at her son, placing a gentle kiss on his tiny forehead.
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“His name is Leo,” Claire declared softly, her voice filled with absolute peace. “Leo Beaumont.”
She didn't give him his father's last name. Ethan had lost the right to pass down his name the moment he chose his ego over his family.
