Chapter 17 - The Hospital Intruder|
The person who attempted to access Zion's records was identified as a contractor who had previously worked for Daniel's wellness company.
He had used credentials connected to Claire's office.
The hospital blocked the access attempt and notified its security team.
Detective Bennett asked me to remain away from the hospital's administrative systems until the investigation was complete.
I hated feeling helpless again.
But this time, I listened.
At the mansion, I changed every password, revoked unnecessary access, and ordered an independent audit of the household and business accounts.
I also made one decision that surprised everyone.
I asked Emily to return—not as a housemaid, but as a paid family support coordinator while we arranged a permanent childcare team.
She refused at first.
"Sir, I don't think that's a good idea."
"Why?"
"Because I don't want you hiring me out of guilt."
I appreciated her honesty.
"I'm not asking you to replace Margaret. I'm asking you to help us create a safer routine for Zion. You understand what happened, and you know how to notice things other people missed."
"Then hire a qualified pediatric care professional."
"I will. I already have."
She looked at me.
"What do you want from me?"
"To help me make sure nobody is ignored again."
Emily considered it.
"Only if I can speak openly without worrying about losing my job."
"Agreed."
"And I want clear boundaries. I won't make medical decisions."
"Agreed."
She nodded.
"I'll think about it."
Meanwhile, Detective Bennett arranged a second interview with Daniel.
This time, he arrived without his briefcase.
He looked exhausted.
The detective showed him the financial records.
Daniel stared at them.
"Those payments were legitimate."
"Then why were they hidden?"
"They were complicated."
"Why did you use a company registered overseas?"
Daniel said nothing.
The detective placed another document on the table.
It was a draft agreement transferring control of a portion of Zion's trust to a management company.
Daniel's signature appeared at the bottom.
"What is this?" she asked.
"An administrative proposal."
"Was Marcus aware of it?"
"He would have been."
"Was Olivia?"
Daniel looked away.
"She didn't understand the financial structure."
Detective Bennett leaned forward.
"She explicitly objected to it."
Daniel's jaw tightened.
"Olivia was emotional."
"She was a mother protecting her child."
He slammed his hand on the table.
"You don't know what that family was like!"
The detective remained calm.
"Then tell me."
Daniel's voice broke.
"Marcus was never there. Olivia was handling everything alone. I was trying to keep the family from collapsing."
"By taking money?"
"By keeping things running."
"By giving an infant an unapproved product?"
"I didn't give him anything!"
"Did you know Margaret was administering it?"
Daniel fell silent.
The detective waited.
Finally, he whispered:
"I told her to make sure the baby slept."
I felt my chest tighten when Detective Bennett told me what he had said.
"Did he admit knowing the product was being used?"
"He admitted giving Margaret instructions about the sleep routine. He denies knowing the exact substance or amount."
"Do you believe him?"
"That's for the evidence to establish."
Then she added:
"He's also admitted that he knew Olivia wanted to remove him from the trust."
I looked at the floor.
"What happens now?"
"Now we establish responsibility."
May you like
But I knew the family I had once trusted was gone.
And the truth had not finished breaking it apart.
