Claire gripped the steering wheel with white-knuckled fingers as she approached the grand gates of Henry's estate. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing the anxiety swirling in her mind. She had rehearsed her arrival countless times, imagined the relief that would paint everyone's faces when they realized the role she had played in reuniting Chantel with her son. But as her sleek black sedan rolled to a stop in front of the gate, the reality was far from the warm reception she had anticipated.
The uniformed security guard standing at the entrance didn't so much as flinch when Claire lowered her window. He stepped forward, stone-faced and expressionless, and crossed his arms over his chest.
"I'm here to see Mr. Henry," Claire said, trying to keep her tone calm and authoritative. "He knows me. Let me in."
The guard didn't move. "I'm sorry, ma'am. Mr. Henry has given strict orders not to allow you on the premises. I'll have to ask you to turn around."
