Chapter 8 - The Desperate Strike
Two weeks before the winter gala, Clara had an appointment at the maternity clinic downtown. Julian was detained at an emergency board meeting, but he had assigned his two most trusted security personnel to accompany her.
As their car pulled into the clinic's private parking bay, a delivery van suddenly swerved, blocking their exit.
Two men stepped out, cameras flashing aggressively, shouting defamatory questions through the glass. "Miss Ellis! Is it true the baby isn't Julian Vance’s? Did you forge the paternity test?"
Panic gripped Clara as the flashbulbs blinded her. But beneath the panic, an unfamiliar surge of strength ignited within her. She rested both hands over her belly, breathing deeply.
The car door opened, and Julian himself appeared, having cut his meeting short and driven behind them. His presence was commanding, scattering the paparazzi with a single sweep of his security detail.
He extended his hand to help Clara out. Rather than hiding behind him this time, Clara stood tall. She looked directly into one of the flashing cameras.
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"My child’s father is Julian Vance," she spoke clearly, her voice devoid of fear. "And no amount of bought-out slander will ever change the truth."
Julian looked at her with pride that outshone any jewel.
