Chapter 8
By three o'clock in the morning, the mansion returned to an eerie, quiet calm.
Elena sat in the private library, wrapped in a warm cashmere blanket beside a roaring fireplace.
A medical doctor finished applying a cooling antiseptic salve over the severe dark bruises on her back.
"The physical tissue will heal in three weeks, Miss Vance," the doctor noted gently.
"But you must rest and avoid any physical exertion for the next fortnight."
"Thank you, Doctor," Elena replied softly, pulling the blanket tight around her shoulders.
Edward walked into the library after seeing the federal agents off at the main gate.
He sat down in the leather armchair across from her, holding two cups of warm herbal tea.
"Senator Montgomery has called four times in the last hour," Edward informed her quietly.
"He is threatening to deploy his private security force to intercept the transfer van taking Chloe to central booking."
Elena took a slow sip of tea, her eyes reflecting the orange flames of the fireplace.
"Let him try," Elena said, her voice completely devoid of fear.
"Chief Vance has already placed three sniper teams along the transit route."
Edward looked at her, a rare, faint smile touching his cold, aristocratic lips.
"You truly are a Sterling, Elena," Edward remarked with deep, quiet pride.
"You possess the same ruthless resolve your father showed during the Wall Street wars of 2005."
Elena set her teacup down on the mahogany table with a soft, deliberate clink.
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"Resolve wasn't enough to save my father, Edward," Elena reminded him gravely.
"This war isn't over until Senator Montgomery is sitting in a federal cell right next to his daughter."
