Chapter 11 - The Phantom Shadow
The rain lashed against the tall glass windows of the downtown law offices, turning the Raleigh skyline into a smear of grey watercolor. Claire sat across from her attorney, Miller, reviewing the final asset liquidation documents. The name "Daniel Mercer" had been legally expunged from every joint account, every property deed, and every birth certificate. The twins were hers—solely, unconditionally hers.
Yet, a lingering chill remained.
"We received a notice from the federal penitentiary," Miller said, sliding a certified envelope across the mahogany table. "Daniel is appealing his sentence reduction motion. He claims he was manipulated under duress by Vanessa Hale."
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Claire didn't flinch. She picked up a sleek fountain pen, her hand steady, and signed her name with sharp, precise strokes.
"Let him try," Claire said softly, her voice carrying the quiet steel of a woman who had walked through fire. "Duress didn't make him stand in that hallway while I flatlined. Duress didn't make him watch through the glass."
