3 Chapter 3 – The Fugitive Grandmother–in–Law
“Arthur’s wife,” she repeated, patting my hand affectionately. “You’ve finally come home to us.”
“She was following him around, trying to talk to him about some business proposition,” Fiona continued smoothly. “As if someone like Arthur Sterling would be interested in anything she has to offer.”
“Boss, you’re not going to believe this,” Victor said, excitement vibrating through his voice. “Arthur Sterling is the CEO of Sterling Group. Took over five years ago in what industry insiders call a ‘bloodless coup. He pushed out his own family members- including his father–to take control.”
Alistair’s face hardened. “Elara, this event is important for our family. For Fiona’s future.” The unspoken message was clear: my role was to blend into the background, not cause problems.
Lost in thought, I almost didn’t see the elderly woman who stepped into the road until the last moment. I swerved sharply, bringing my scooter to a skidding halt mere inches
from her.
The woman seemed disoriented, her silver hair disheveled and her expensive clothing rumpled. She looked around in confusion.
Fiona’s face transformed instantly into a mask of filial concern. “Oh, Daddy, it was so embarrassing. Elara was pestering Mr. Sterling all evening. He finally got fed
left.”
“Of course not,” I started, but Fiona cut me off.
“But that’s impossible,” I insisted. “The registry system-”
“I understand,” I said stiffly. “If you’ll excuse me.”
up and
Without warning, her hand shot out and grabbed my wrist with surprising strength. Her eyes cleared, focusing on my face with sudden intensity.
That caught me off guard. “You’re what?”
“This is clearly a forgery.” He handed it back to me. “I’m already married.”
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I rushed toward the entrance, only to collide with Fiona. She steadied herself against the wall, her perfectly manicured nails digging into my arm.
He took the paper without touching my fingers, unfolding it with precise movements. His eyes scanned the document, and for a split second, something flashed across his face–surprise, confusion, anger–before his features settled back into an impenetrable
mask.
His cold eyes assessed me from head to toe. “The same reason most women try to attach themselves to me. Money. Status. Power.” Each word dripped with disdain. “You wouldn’t be the first to try. Just the most creative.”
“I don’t want your money!” I said, my voice rising. “I want answers. And a divorce.”
“Granddaughter–in–law!” she exclaimed, her voice carrying a note of delighted recognition. “You’re my granddaughter–in–law!”
“Ma’am?” I approached cautiously. “Are you lost? Can I help you get home?”
Arthur Sterling’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. “Excuse me?” His voice was deep, controlled, and laced with steel.
“I don’t know who you are or what game you’re playing,” he said, his tone flat. “But I
suggest you stop now.”
I swallowed hard. “I think we need to talk. About our… marriage.” ·
I caught sight of his broad shoulders near the exit. “Mr. Sterling, please!”
“There’s more,” Victor continued. “Sterling Group is expanding into our market sector. They’ve been acquiring smaller companies like ours for the past year. Usually hostile
takeovers.”
My stomach dropped. “How bad is he?”
“Victor, what did you find?” I answered, keeping my voice low.
My blood turned to ice. How could this woman possibly know about a marriage that even I hadn’t known about until today? Who was she?
“Honey?” I said, the word hanging awkwardly between us.
“Ms…?” He trailed off expectantly.
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“Dubois,” I supplied. “Elara Dubois.
“From a marriage that apparently does exist, according to official records, I countered. “Look, I don’t understand what’s happening either, but-
“They call him the Ice King, Ruthless in business, never loses, shows no mercy to competitors” Victor paused. “There are rumors he destroyed his brother’s career when he tried to challenge him. His own brother, Elara.
After ending the call, I slipped out of the mansion. The night air felt cool against my flushed skin as I walked to where I’d parked my scooter. The modest vehicle looked out of place among the luxury cars lining the driveway–a perfect metaphor for my own position in the Dubois family
I rode through the quiet streets, my mind racing. How had this happened? Was it a clerical error? A bizarre coincidence? Or something more defiberate?
“What? That’s not!—”
“Ms. Dubois, I don’t know how you got this document or what you hope to gain. But this conversation is over? Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing alone on the balcony
“Get a divorce,” I sand decisively. “As quickly and quietly as possible.”
He didn’t slow down. Within moments, he was through the door and gone.
I closed my eyes briefly. “Great Just great!
The ballroom was still crowded with guests, Arthur moved through them effortlessly, a sea of people parting for him without conscious thought. I struggled to keep up, weaving through clusters of chattering socialites.
“Is this true, Elara?” Alistair’s stern gaze fixed on me.
Her eyes narrowed. “Everything in this house is my business. Especially when it involves my fiancé’s family” She adjusted her designer dress. “You’re making a fool of yourself. As usual
“Arthur’s wife,” she continued firmly, her grip tightening. “My grandson Arthur Stering’s wide. I’d know you anywhere”
She didn’t respond, ber gaze distant. I noticed a medical alert bracelet on her wrist.
3 Chapter 3- The Fugitive Grandmother–in–Law
Pulling out my phone, I prepared to call for assistance.
I pulled the folded photocopy from my purse. “This says otherwise.” My hand trembled- slightly as I held it out to him. “According to official records, we’re married.”
Something shifted in his expression. “A divorce,” he repeated. “From a marriage that doesn’t exist.”
“You got it, boss. What’s the plan?”
“Oh my god!” I gasped, jumping off. “Are you all right? I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you!”
I hurried after him, unwilling to let my only chance slip away. “Wait! We need to figure
this out!”
“Married. For the past three years.” He checked his watch, dismissing me. “I don’t have timè for this nonsense.”
“It’s none of your business, Fiona.”
“Is not infallible.” He cut me off. “Someone made a mistake. Or more likely, you did this intentionally.”
My cheeks burned with indignation. “Why would I fake a marriage to someone I’ve never even met?”
“I should contact someone for you-”
The implications hit me like a truck. My company–my secret company that I’d built from nothing–was in the final stages of preparing for an IPO. A connection to Sterling Group now, especially a personal one like marriage, could derail everything. Investors would assume a merger or acquisition was coming, or worse, that my company was just a front for Sterling’s interests.
I walked away, ignoring Fiona’s triumphant smirk. I needed space to think, to process what had just happened. Arthur Sterling denied our marriage yet claimed he was already married to someone else. None of it made sense.
Before I could respond, Alistair Dubois approached, his expression concerned. “What’s going on? I just saw Arthur Sterling leave rather abruptly.”
My phone buzzed in my purse. Victor, my operations manager.
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I blinked in confusion. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but you must be mistaken. I’m not-”
“What do you think you’re doing?” she hissed. “Chasing after Arthur Sterling like some desperate groupie?”
“Victor, this stays between us,” I said firmly. “No one can know about this supposed marriage. And I need a meeting with our lawyers first thing tomorrow.”
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