Chapter 7 - The HomecomingThe private elevator ride up to the Sterling penthouse felt like ascending to a different realm.
When the doors slid open, the sweet, antiseptic-free scent of fresh lavender and eucalyptus filled the air. But the best scent of all was the rhythmic, healthy breathing of two tiny infants sleeping peacefully in their custom wooden cribs.
Dr. Vance was standing by the monitor array, beaming.
"They're officially cleared for discharge from the NICU, Miss Sterling," Dr. Vance announced as I walked in, tossing my handbag onto the sofa. "Both Liam and Chloe have passed every developmental and respiratory milestone with flying colors. They are officially ready to come home."
I felt a hot tear roll down my cheek, but this time, it was pure, unadulterated joy.
I walked over to the cribs, gently lifting Liam into my arms first. He was warm, solid, and smelled of baby lotion and sweet milk. A second later, a nurse handed Chloe to me, cradling her close against my chest.
They both stirred, tiny fists punching the air before settling peacefully against my heart.
Arthur walked into the suite a few minutes later, holding a bottle of vintage champagne in one hand and two silver rattles engraved with the Sterling crest in the other.
"Well," Arthur announced, a proud, booming laugh echoing through the penthouse. "The lawyers just finalized the last of the asset transfers. Vance Medical Supplies is officially liquidated, its patents are secured under our family trust, and Dominic Vance has officially reported for his first night shift at the waste management plant."
He popped the champagne cork, letting it fly toward the high vaulted ceiling with a satisfying pop.
"To the future," Arthur said, pouring two glasses and handing one to me while I held my twins securely. "To the next generation of Sterlings. May they be as resilient, as brilliant, and as ruthless as their mother."
May you like
"To Liam and Chloe," I whispered, touching my glass to Arthur's.
As I looked out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the glittering city below, I knew the storm was finally over. Dominic had tried to break me when I was at my most vulnerable, mistaking my silence for defeat. But all he had done was light the fuse on an empire that was now stronger, sharper, and entirely untouchable.
