Chapter 2 - The Red Velvet Defiance
Clara stood by the bedside, entirely unfazed by Nathan's intimidating presence. Her hazel eyes met his billionaire gaze with absolute calmness.
"He's eating, Mr. Whitmore," Clara said simply.
"He is on a strictly monitored medical regimen!" Nathan barked, stepping closer, his hand reaching out to grab the plate. "Dr. Pierce explicitly stated that processed sugars and fats put unnecessary stress on his cardiovascular system. You are endangering my son."
"Leave it, Dad."
The words were quiet, but they cut through the room like a blade. Nathan froze, looking down at his son. Owen was holding the fork defensively over the plate. It was the most emotion, the most life, Nathan had seen in his son's eyes in over a year.
"Owen," Nathan said, his voice softening but remaining tight. "I am trying to keep you alive."
"No, you're trying to manage my death," Owen said, taking another small bite of the cake. "Clara is the only person who asked me what I wanted. For ten years, this house has felt like a tomb. If I'm going to die in two weeks, let me taste something my mother made before I go."
Nathan felt a physical ache in his chest, a profound mixture of grief and fury. He turned his burning gaze back to Clara. "Outside. Now."
May you like
In the dimly lit hallway, Nathan cornered the young maid. "I don't know what games you're playing, Miss Bennett, but I paid the top staffing agency in the state for a professional. I can have you blacklisted from every estate in Illinois by sunset."
"You could," Clara agreed softly, looking up at him. "But then who will make him want to fight? Look at his charts, Mr. Whitmore. He isn't dying because his heart is giving out. He’s dying because he’s given up. You’re hiding in your boardrooms because you're terrified to watch him fade, leaving him alone in a room full of expensive machines. If you want to fire me for giving your son a reason to smile, go ahead. But we both know you'd be doing it to protect your own fears, not his life."
