Chapter 6 - The Tables Turn
Evelyn tapped the screen of the tablet. Instantly, Vivian’s voice filled the dining room, clear and crisp. It was an audio recording from the kitchen earlier that afternoon.
“If you don't sign these voluntary custody papers, Clara, I will ensure Dr. Harrison doses you with enough sedatives to make the judge believe you don't even know your own name. The Hale family always wins.”
Vivian’s face drained of color, turning a sickly, ghostly white. "That... that is an illegal recording! It’s inadmissible!"
"This is a private dinner, Mrs. Hale, and I am a primary investor reviewing the ethical compliance of a subsidiary company," Marcus Vance said with a terrifyingly calm smile. "Furthermore, my daughter has already filed a report with the State Medical Board regarding Dr. Harrison. His clinic was raided by state authorities two hours ago. He has already confessed to falsifying Clara’s discharge papers in exchange for a wire transfer from your personal account."
Daniel stumbled backward, his hands shaking. "Mother... what did you do?"
"I did it for you!" Vivian hissed, her composure completely shattering. "She is nothing! She would have ruined your reputation!"
"You've ruined it yourself, Daniel," Marcus Vance said, turning his back on my husband. "As of this moment, Vance Capital pulls all funding from Hale Industries. We are filing a freeze on your corporate assets due to suspected corporate funds being used for illegal medical bribes."
Daniel looked like he had been struck by lightning. The empire he had sacrificed his humanity to protect was crumbling in a matter of seconds.
Evelyn walked around the table and placed a warm arm around my waist, supporting my weight. "Come on, Clara. Let's get Lily. The ambulance is waiting outside."
"Ambulance?" Daniel yelled, trying to step in front of us. "You can't just take my daughter!"
Marcus Vance stepped into Daniel’s path, his towering frame completely blocking his view of us. "If you take one step toward them, Daniel, the police officers waiting at the end of your driveway will come inside and arrest you for domestic abuse and reckless endangerment. Choose your next move very carefully."
As Evelyn guided me up the stairs, I heard the sound of Vivian weeping hysterically in the dining room—a sound of pure, selfish defeat.
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When we reached my room, I scooped Lily up into my arms. She woke up, her beautiful blue eyes looking up at me, and for the first time, she let out a tiny, soft coo.
"We're safe now, baby," I whispered, kissing her forehead. "We're never coming back."
