Chapter 2 - The Pursuit on Michigan Avenue
Panic surged through Natalie’s veins as she stepped out into the private parking lobby. Frank O’Connor, the family’s veteran driver, was waiting by the Mercedes, his face lined with tension.
"Did Michael send you?" Natalie demanded, breathless.
Frank hesitated, avoiding her eyes. "Come with me, Mrs. DeLuca."
"Who’s waiting at my house, Frank?"
"Please, just get in the car."
Knowing she had no other choice, Natalie climbed into the back seat. As they merged onto Michigan Avenue, Frank glanced repeatedly into the rearview mirror.
"What is it?" she asked, clutching her abdomen as another contraction rippled through her.
"Black Tahoe behind us," Frank muttered, changing lanes.
The SUV behind them mirrored every move. Up on the dashboard, Frank’s phone lit up with a notification preview: Bring her to the penthouse. Take the laptop and phone. No attorney.
"Stop the car," Natalie cried out, the pain intensifying.
"If I stop, they stop."
"Did Michael order this?"
"I don’t know."
Another contraction tore through her lower back. She gasped, doubling over. "Hospital. Take me to Mercy Lakes right now."
Frank slammed his foot on the gas, but the black Tahoe accelerated as well. Just then, Michael's name flashed on her phone screen. She answered instantly.
"Someone is following me," she panted.
"Where are you going?" Michael’s voice was ice cold.
"To the hospital. I'm having contractions."
"You were told to go home," Michael snapped.
"So you ordered this? You sent people after me?"
"I told security to recover company property. You have confidential information on your laptop."
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"That laptop belongs to me. I owned it before your company even existed! My son is at stake here, Michael!"
The phone slipped from her trembling fingers as another agonizing wave of pain tore through her body.
