Chapter 4 - THE DESPERATE RETALIATION
The fallout over the next two weeks was catastrophic for the Lowell family, but they did not go down without a ruthless fight.
Richard Lowell, realizing his financial empire was collapsing, launched a desperate media campaign. He leaked fabricated stories to Chicago tabloids, alleging that Nathaniel Cross had broken off the engagement because he was having an improper, illicit affair with his live-in housekeeper.
One rainy Tuesday afternoon, as I was walking back from Lily’s preschool near the estate gates, two news vans were parked right outside the wrought-iron fence.
Reporters shoved microphones through the bars as soon as they saw me.
"Elena! Is it true you embezzled funds from the Cross estate?"
"Did you push Vanessa Lowell out so you could take her place?"
"How long have you been sleeping with Nathaniel Cross?"
Lily whimpered, hiding behind my coat. I pulled her close, hurrying toward the side pedestrian gate, my head down, my blood boiling with shame and anger.
Before I could reach the keypad, a sleek black town car pulled up beside the reporters. The door opened, and Nathaniel stepped out into the pouring rain without an umbrella.
He walked straight past the cameras, positioned his tall frame between the reporters and us, and gently shielded Lily with his large wool coat.
"Get those cameras out of my sight," Nathaniel commanded, his voice thunderous.
"Mr. Cross! Care to comment on Richard Lowell’s statement?" a journalist yelled.
Nathaniel turned to face the cameras. The rain soaked through his hair and suit, but his dark eyes burned with fierce intensity.
"Richard Lowell is currently under federal indictment for bank fraud, grand larceny, and perjury," Nathaniel stated clearly into the microphones. "Every accusation he has leveled against Elena Vance is a fraudulent attempt to distract from his daughter’s criminal embezzlement."
He took my hand—warm, firm, and steady—holding it right in front of the press.
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"Elena Vance is a woman of absolute integrity, dignity, and grace," Nathaniel declared for the entire city to hear. "She has managed my estate with impeccable honor for five years. Anyone who attempts to harass her or her daughter will face the full weight of Cross Meridian’s legal department."
He opened the gate, ushered us safely inside, and slammed the steel bars shut behind us, leaving the stunned reporters scrambling in the rain.
