Chapter 10: The Matriarch's Command

"Sit down, Richard."

Eleanor Sterling did not shout. She tapped her silver walking stick on the wood floor. The room went dead quiet.

She walked past her two sons, Alec and Julian. She sat in the big leather chair at the head of the table. She looked straight at Mayor Richard. Her face was like stone.

"We heard Julian’s idea," Eleanor said. "Now we do this the Sterling way."

"Eleanor," Richard said, leaning on the desk. "My daughter cannot look bad. If Julian takes Alec’s place, you must protect Genevieve and her unborn baby."

"Your daughter will be fine because it protects our name," Eleanor said. "Not because you came here with police."

"Mother," Alec stepped up. His jaw was tight. His hands were in fists. "Julian should not do this. This mess is mine to fix."

"You made your choice four days ago when you signed the marriage paper with Sienna," Eleanor told him. "You gave your name to the girl who pulled you out of the fire. In this family, we keep our word. We do not break promises. Julian has a smart plan to save our business, and we are doing it."

Julian nodded. He stood by the window with his arms crossed. He was totally calm.

Genevieve stepped up to the table. She held her expensive purse tight against her chest.

"Madam Eleanor," Genevieve said. "If I marry Julian, I want to be treated like a real Sterling wife. I will not be pushed aside."

"You will get what the contract says," Eleanor said coldly. She opened a folder and picked up a pen. "You will live in the north ridge villa. It is far from the main house. You will get your monthly wife money. You will get a seat on the hospital charity board."

Richard leaned in. "And the baby? My grandchild must get family money."

"Every child in this family follows the same rule," Eleanor said. "When the baby is born, a doctor from the capital will do a DNA test. If the baby has Sterling blood, the trust money opens on its first birthday. If not, no money. That is the rule for Alec, for Julian, and for you. No exceptions."

Genevieve stopped breathing for a second. Her face went pale, but she lifted her chin.

"That is normal for rich families," Genevieve said. "I am not scared of a test."

"Good," Eleanor said. "Our lawyers are writing the papers now. You sign at five o'clock with the judge. The news will say you married Julian quietly. It will say Alec married his hero from the factory."

Richard stood still. He did not get Alec for his daughter, but she got the Sterling name, a big house, lots of money, and no public shame.

"I will sign the port permits before six o'clock," Richard said. "Send the news to the papers."

"We will," Eleanor said. "Thomas will show you to your helicopter."

Richard nodded and walked out with his guards.

Genevieve looked at Alec with pure hate. Then she looked at Julian.

"Tell the maids to bring my bags to the north villa right now," Genevieve snapped.

"The staff will move them," Julian said without looking at her. "Do not come to the south side of this house without an invite."

Genevieve turned on her high heels and stormed out, slamming the door.

The room was totally quiet.

Alec rubbed his face. His head was pounding under his white bandage.

"Julian did not need to do this, Mother."

"Julian did this to protect five thousand workers and fifty years of hard work," Eleanor said, standing up with her cane. "He did his job. Now you do yours."

"My job is to take care of Sienna," Alec said.

"Your job is to pay your life debt," Eleanor said, looking him in the eye. "That poor orphan girl went into a burning building four times for you. She has scars and bad lungs because of it. She asked for a baby so she would not be alone in this world. In this family, a blood debt is law."

Eleanor walked toward the door.

"Take her to your master bedroom. Make sure the doctor gives her medicine for her lungs. Keep her safe from Genevieve. Treat that girl with the respect she earned."

Eleanor walked out into the hall.

Julian let out a slow, tired breath. He looked over at his brother. 

"Don't look at me like that, Alec," Julian said in a flat, quiet voice. "I know what Genevieve is. I grew up with her too. She wants power and titles. Giving her the north villa and a monthly check keeps her quiet and keeps the port running. It is just business."

"You shouldn't have to tie your whole life to a business deal because of my mistake," Alec said, his jaw tightening again. "She says the child is mine."

"We will find out the truth on the day that baby takes its first breath," Julian replied, his eyes cold and steady. "Until then, she stays locked on the north ridge. You focus on the docks. And focus on the girl who actually saved your neck."

Julian turned and walked out through the side doors, leaving Alec alone in the quiet study. 

Alec stood alone for a second. The burn scars along his ribs ached with every beat of his heart. Then he pushed the heavy study doors open and walked back into the living room.

Sienna was still sitting on the couch. She looked tiny in Chloe's big blue shirt. The clear oxygen tube was under her nose, running down to the small green tank on the floor. Her hands were tight in her lap, her knuckles white. She looked scared, like she thought they were about to throw her out into the cold rain. 

When she saw Alec walk in, she jumped slightly. Her gray eyes searched his face, trying to see if she was in trouble. 

Alec walked over. He stopped right in front of her.

He looked at her bruised face and her soft curves hidden under the big shirt. He was still confused about Genevieve, but he knew what he had to do. His duty was right in front of him. 

"Thomas," Alec called out.

The butler stepped into the room from the hallway. "Yes, Master Alexander?"

"Bring the oxygen tank and her lung medicine up to my bedroom," Alec said. 

Sienna’s eyes went wide. She grabbed the edge of the sofa cushion. "Alec... you don't have to do that. The maid said there is a small room near the kitchen. I am used to small rooms. I don't want to get in your way."

Alec didn't let her finish. He held his big hand out to Sienna, his dark eyes firm and steady. 

"You are not staying near the kitchen, and you are not in the way," Alec told her, his deep voice leaving no room for argument. "My wife is moving upstairs.”