Chapter 17 - The Shield of Legacy|
The next morning at ten o'clock, Henry Sterling arrived at the Fairmount row home, carrying a black leather briefcase.
Catherine sat at the small dining table, drinking warm tea while Daniel sat across from her, holding three-day-old Claire in his arms, expertly rocking her to sleep.
"He threatened my father's name?" Catherine asked quietly after Henry explained Michael’s demand.
"It’s a bluff, Catherine," Henry said firmly, leaning over the table. "Michael thinks those 2018 sealed records contain evidence of judicial misconduct by your father. But what he doesn't know is that I was the one who sealed those records six years ago."
Catherine frowned. "What's inside them, Henry?"
Henry smiled—a sharp, triumphant grin.
"Inside those records is a signed confession from Michael’s own uncle, detailing how the Harrison family tried to bribe your father during the waterfront expansion project," Henry revealed softly. "If Michael opens those sealed files, he won't ruin your father's legacy—he'll send himself to federal prison for extortion."
Catherine let out a long, ragged breath, a sudden, powerful sense of relief washing through her chest.
She looked over at Daniel, who was smiling softly down at Claire, his large, gentle hand supporting the baby’s head with practiced ease.
May you like
"He has no leverage left," Catherine whispered.
"None," Henry agreed, closing his briefcase with a loud snap. "The judge is signing the final protective order at two o'clock today. Michael Harrison is officially banned from approaching you, your sister, or Claire."
