Chapter 2 - The Sterling Estate
The Sterling Behavioral Center sat on the outskirts of the city, an imposing structure of glass and white concrete that felt more like a corporate fortress than a hospital.
Sarah bypassed the front desk, using the sheer force of her presence to push through the double doors leading to the executive wing. She found Victoria Sterling in a lavish corner office.
Victoria was a striking woman, dressed in an aggressive, tailored bright red power suit. Large gold hoop earrings dangled from her ears, catching the light as she looked up from her mahogany desk with an expression of mild annoyance.
"Colonel Vance, I presume," Victoria said, not bothering to stand. "Your arrival is premature. Your daughter is undergoing a mandatory 72-hour psychiatric evaluation."
"You have no legal right to hold my daughter," Sarah said, planting her black-gloved hands on Victoria's desk. "I want to see her. Now."
May you like
Victoria offered a patronizing smile. "Lily has been experiencing severe delusions. She claims my staff is mistreating her. We both know how troubled teenagers can lie for attention. If you interfere with her treatment, I will have the state revoke your custody entirely. My foundation owns the politicians in this county, Colonel. You cannot win this."
Sarah didn't yell. She didn't threaten. She simply memorized the smug look on Victoria’s face, turned on her heel, and walked out. The battlefield was set.
