Chapter 9 - The Triplet ProgressionThe revelation of Clara's triplet pregnancy and her position as Chairperson of Ellison-Bell hit the business world like a megaton bomb.
Within forty-eight hours, Whitmore Global Logistics' stock began to slide as rumors circulated that Ellison-Bell was preparing to terminate Whitmore's commercial port access.
At six months pregnant, Clara moved her primary office to Harbor House, surrounded by the peaceful sound of ocean waves and the unwavering care of Grace and Graham Bell. Her bump was round and heavy now, and Dr. Marsh ordered her to cut back on travel as the weight of carrying three healthy babies took its toll on her frame.
One afternoon, while Clara sat on the sun porch reviewing financial statements, the front doorbell chimed downstairs.
A moment later, Margaret Whitmore rushed into the room, her usual pristine pearls askew, her eyes wild with desperation. Grace followed closely behind her, looking ready to throw the woman out with a broom.
"Clara!" Margaret cried out, stopping near the wicker sofa. "You have to stop this! You're ruining us!"
Clara slowly closed her tablet and rested her hands over her restless stomach, feeling the distinct, synchronized kicks of her three babies inside.
"I haven't done anything to you, Margaret," Clara said quietly.
"You refused to renew Raymond's shipping contracts!" Margaret screamed, her voice breaking. "The bank is threatening to call in our corporate loans! And the media... they're calling Raymond a fool who threw away his own legacy!"
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Margaret suddenly dropped to her knees beside Clara's chair, tears smearing her makeup. The proud, arrogant matriarch who had spent eleven years torturing Clara with soft insults was now begging on the floor.
"Please, Clara," Margaret wept. "They are my grandchildren! Three Whitmore heirs! Let us take care of you! Come back to Greenwich... I will personally fire Julianna, I swear it!"
