Chapter 5 - The Silent Battle BeginsBy week twelve of my pregnancy, my small bump was beginning to show beneath my woolen sweaters. Dr. Marsh assured me that all three babies were growing steadily, though she emphasized that the coming months would require strict rest and monitoring.
Meanwhile, news of Raymond’s upcoming nuptials with his new mistress, Julianna, made the front pages of the Greenwich society columns.
Margaret Whitmore had spared no expense, hosting lavish engagement parties and announcing to the press that the Whitmore lineage would soon "continue with dignity."
Sitting in Grace’s kitchen, sipping warm milk, I read the headline in the morning paper: Raymond Whitmore Seeks Quick Annulment from Ex-Wife Clara.
"They're trying to erase you," Grace noted bitterly, setting a plate of fresh scones on the table. "They want the court to grant an annulment based on 'failure to fulfill marital duties.'"
"Let them try," I said quietly, setting the newspaper aside.
I picked up my phone and made my first call to my father’s legacy legal team, Ledford & Associates.
"Mr. Ledford," I said when the managing partner answered. "This is Clara Ellison."
There was a sharp intake of breath on the line. "Clara... It has been a very long time."
"Raymond Whitmore's legal team has filed for an annulment and served papers for abandonment," I said calmly. "I want you to reject the settlement offer. File a formal response asserting my claim as the rightful heir to the Ellison Trust, and notify the board of Ellison-Bell Shipping that I will be taking my seat as Chairperson next week."
"And regarding Mr. Whitmore's request for an annulment?" Ledford asked.
I touched my expanding belly, feeling a tiny, fluttery kick for the very first time—a faint whisper of life times three.
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"Tell them the Chairperson of Ellison-Bell will see them in court," I replied softly. "And tell Raymond that his shipping contracts come up for renewal at the end of the month."
The Triplets of Harbor House
