Chapter 6 - The Gathering Storm
Happiness, however, was a fragile thing.
Two months into Emily’s new role, a shadows from her past crept out from the darkness.
It was a busy Tuesday evening. Emily was finalizing shift handovers at the central desk when a loud, obnoxious voice echoed from the main waiting area.
"I don't give a damn about your visitor limits! I know she works here! Emily! Emily Vance, get your ass out here right now!"
Emily’s blood ran cold. That voice. She would recognize that harsh, raspy voice anywhere.
She stepped out into the waiting room lobby. Standing near the security guard desk was a tall, unkempt man in a leather jacket, his eyes bloodshot and posture aggressive.
It was Julian Croft—Emma’s biological father.
Julian had walked out on Emily seven years ago the moment she showed him a positive pregnancy test, leaving her penniless, homeless, and terrified. He had vanished into the underground world of illegal gambling and petty crime, never contributing a single dime or showing an ounce of care for the child he had abandoned.
"Julian?" Emily gasped, her voice trembling. "What are you doing here?"
Julian smirked, looking around the grand, luxurious hospital lobby before focusing his gaze back on Emily’s pristine scrubs and high-end ID badge.
"Well, well, well," Julian sneered, taking a step toward her. "Look at you! Playing high-and-mighty head nurse at the richest hospital in the city. And here I thought you were still rotting in that basement apartment."
"Get out of here, Julian," Emily said, her hands shaking as she pulled her radio from her belt. "You have no right to be here. Leave, or I’ll have security escort you out."
"Oh, security?" Julian laughed loudly, throwing his hands in the air. "Go ahead! Call them! Let's see how the news media reacts when they find out the head nurse of St. Jude Medical System is denying a father the right to see his daughter!"
He stepped closer, leaning in so only she could hear his bitter whisper.
"I read the local paper, Emily. I saw the big article about the 'Hero Nurse' hired by CEO Daniel Vance. I know you're rolling in dough now. And I want my cut."
"You haven't seen Emma in seven years," Emily whispered, her eyes filled with rage and terror. "You abandoned her!"
"And now I’m back to claim my parental rights," Julian grinned wickedly. "Unless, of course, you want to pay me off. Fifty thousand dollars, Emily. Pay me fifty grand, and I sign away my custody rights forever and walk away. If you don't... I file for joint custody tomorrow morning, drag you through family court, and make sure your shiny new reputation is dragged through the dirt."
Emily felt as though the air had been kicked from her lungs. She couldn't afford fifty thousand dollars, but more than that, the thought of Julian anywhere near Emma terrified her to her core.
"She doesn't owe you a single cent."
A heavy hand rested gently on Emily’s shoulder. Daniel Vance stepped up beside her, his physical presence instantly dwarfing Julian. Daniel’s eyes were like ice, filled with an authority that made Julian’s smirk instantly falter.
"And who the hell are you?" Julian demanded, trying to puff out his chest.
"I am Daniel Vance, Chief Executive Officer of this institution," Daniel said, his voice terrifyingly calm. "And you are currently trespassing on private property while attempting to extort an employee."
Daniel signaled to four heavy security officers who were already closing in from behind Julian.
"If you ever set foot on this property again, or come within five hundred feet of Emily or her daughter, I will personally hire the most aggressive legal team in the state to prosecute you for harassment, extortion, and criminal trespass. Escort him out."
"You can't do this!" Julian yelled as the officers grabbed his arms, dragging him back toward the sliding glass doors. "I have rights! I’m her father! You’ll hear from my lawyer, Emily! You’ll lose everything!"
As Julian’s shouts faded into the night air, Emily sank against the reception counter, burying her face in her hands as silent sobs wracked her body.
Daniel immediately stepped in front of her, placing his hands gently on her arms. "Emily, look at me."
May you like
She looked up, her eyes swimming with tears. "He’s going to take her from me, Daniel. He’s going to use the legal system to hurt my baby."
"He won't," Daniel said fiercely, his thumb gently wiping a tear from her cheek. "I won't let him. You and Emma are under my protection now. I promise you, Emily. I won't let anyone touch your family."
