Chapter 2 The Caged Bird

BLACKWOODS

Claire sat at the grand dining table, untouched food laid out before her like a royal feast. The aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted chicken filled the air, but her stomach twisted with unease. She could not take a single bite since waking up in the Blackwood mansion, and she had no intention of starting now.

Eleanor Blackwood sat across from her, her manicured fingers tapping against the stem of a crystal wine glass. The woman exuded effortless poise, but the flicker of irritation in her icy blue eyes betrayed her.

"You do realize," Eleanor drawled, "that starving yourself won't change your situation?"She said taking a sip from her glass.

Claire clenched her fists under the table. "I want to see my mother."She voiced furrowing her brows.

Eleanor sighed dramatically and leaned back in her chair. "As I've told you, she's being transferred to a private hospital and her medical bills are been taken care of. You should be grateful."Eleanor clicked her tongue.

"I want proof," Claire shot back. "I won't eat until I know she's safe."

Eleanor smirked, swirling the wine in her glass. "How noble. But let me remind you, dear, that your cooperation is not optional."

Claire's defiance didn't waver. "Then show me proof."She repeated with a frown.

Eleanor stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the marble floor. "I don't have time for your little tantrums. i'm out of here"

Before Claire could say another word, Eleanor turned on her heel and strode out of the dining room, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.

MF GLAM MODELS

Eleanor arrived late to her modeling shoot, her entourage scurrying behind her like obedient pets. She barely acknowledged the apologetic murmurs from the crew, her attention focused on her assistant, Sienna Vale, who was already on the receiving end of her glare.

"This is unacceptable," Eleanor hissed. "Why didn't anyone call me earlier?"

Sienna, a petite woman with sharp brown eyes, kept her voice measured. "We did, ma'am. Multiple times but it didn't go through..."

Eleanor waved her off, stepping onto the set where cameras and lights were positioned. She was used to being the center of attention, the queen of every room she entered. But her late arrival had already sparked whispers among the crew but she gave no concern to that besides she's the face behind the brand. Without her pretty, flawless face they are noting. while trying to strike a pose for the camera she caught a woman staring at her furiously.

Victoria Sinclair the wife of the third richest man in the country stood by the director's chair, arms crossed, her expression dripping with disapproval.

"You know," Victoria said smoothly, "some of us respect other people's time."

Eleanor narrowed her eyes, her lips curving into a mocking smile. "Some of us don't need to be on time when we're the main attraction."

Victoria chuckled, tilting her head. "How adorable. You think you're irreplaceable."

Tension crackled between them, and the crew exchanged nervous glances. Two of the wealthiest, most influential women in the industry facing off was a sight to behold.

"I don't think, darling," Eleanor purred. "I know." She winked proudly.

Victoria's smile didn't falter. "We'll see about that." She shrugged leaving the scene.

The confrontation sent ripples through the industry that day, their feud making headlines within hours. Eleanor, of course, acted as if she was unfazed, but as she left the studio, her temper simmered beneath her cool facade.

Meanwhile, back at the Blackwood mansion, Claire's patience was wearing thin.

She was about to storm out of the house ready to locate her mother where ever she was, when a deep voice stopped her.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

She turned sharply, finding herself face to face with a tall, broad-shouldered man. His dark hair was neatly trimmed, and his piercing green eyes held a calculating gleam. He looked like he belonged in the shadows-watching, waiting.

"Who are you?" she asked warily.

"Julian Hart," he said smoothly. "Head of Blackwood security."

Claire's heart pounded. "Why should I listen to you?"

Julian smirked. "Because I know Eleanor Blackwood better than most. And if you think defying her is going to get you what you want, you're playing a losing game."

Claire swallowed hard. "I just want to see my mother."

Julian's expression remained unreadable, but there was something in his eyes-something almost sympathetic. "Then be patient. Play along. If you push too hard, you might not like the consequences. Remember you aren't carrying their heir yet so it's certain you might be thrown into jail for ten years and your mother. you know what's gonna happen if you mess up"

Claire hated that he might be right.

"Why telling me this then?"

"You ask too many questions and my master doesn't welcome that"

Later that night, as Claire lay in her bed, staring at the ornate ceiling, a thought nagged at her. If she was going to survive this, she needed allies. She couldn't trust Eleanor. Damian was a mystery. Julian was an enigma.

And then there was another name. Someone she hadn't seen in years.

Eric.

Her ex-boyfriend. The man she had once loved-the man she had left behind when her world fell apart.

He had always been reckless, but he was also resourceful. If there was anyone who could help her escape, it was him.

But as she reached for the phone left in her room, a voice echoed from the doorway.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Claire's heart nearly stopped. She turned to see a figure leaning against the doorframe.

Not Julian.

A different man-one she didn't recognize. He had sharp cheekbones, a lazy but dangerous smirk, and an air of quiet authority.

"Who are you?" Claire whispered.

The man's smirk deepened. "Someone who's been watching you for a long time."

Her blood ran cold.

And just like that, Claire realized she wasn't just trapped in the Blackwood mansion.

She was being monitored hunted.