Chapter 9 - WHAT HER FATHER HAD DONE|
Camille arrived at the hospital with her heart pounding.
Beatrice was awake, but exhausted. A physician explained that her medication records showed irregular dosing over several weeks. The changes had caused dangerous fluctuations in her blood pressure and alertness.
"We can't determine intent from the medical records alone," the physician said carefully. "But the medication history needs a formal review."
Camille sat beside her grandmother.
"Did Dad change your medication?"
Beatrice looked toward the window.
"I don't know."
"Did he bring someone new to manage it?"
"Yes."
"Did you feel worse after that?"
Beatrice nodded slowly.
Camille took her hand.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize for something you didn't do."
"I should have noticed."
"You were busy living your own life. That's what I wanted for you."
Everett stood outside the room, speaking with Lydia and a hospital administrator. He had arranged for an independent physician to review Beatrice's records, but he had not made any decisions without Camille's approval.
When he came inside, he spoke quietly.
"The hospital has preserved the records. The authorities have been notified."
Beatrice looked at him.
"You're a very busy man, Mr. Kane."
"I can make time."
"See that you do."
Camille almost smiled.
Then Lydia entered with an update.
"The recording has been authenticated as far as we can establish at this stage. We've also found emails between Nathan and Russell discussing the trust transfer."
"Can they prove the signature was forged?" Camille asked.
"The digital audit trail is strong evidence. We still need the original records and testimony from the people involved."
Beatrice closed her eyes.
"Your father will say he was protecting the company."
Camille looked at her.
"Was he?"
"He may have started with that intention. But somewhere along the way, he began protecting himself."
A nurse came in to check Beatrice's blood pressure.
While she worked, Camille stepped into the hallway.
Everett followed.
"I want to ask you something," he said.
"What?"
"Are you going to be all right?"
Camille let out a breath.
"I don't know."
He nodded.
"That's an honest answer."
She looked at him.
"Why are you helping me?"
"Because what happened to you was wrong."
"That's not enough."
"No," he admitted. "It isn't."
For a moment, the past stood between them.
Then Everett said, "I also still care about you."
Camille looked away.
"I can't be the woman you remember."
"I don't expect you to be."
"And I won't let you buy your way into my life."
"I know."
She studied him.
"Do you?"
Before he could answer, Lydia hurried toward them.
"Camille, we have a serious problem."
"What now?"
"The Briarwoods have called an emergency shareholders' meeting for tomorrow morning. They've announced that your grandmother is medically unfit to serve."
Camille stared.
"They can't do that."
"They've already submitted a petition."
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Lydia lowered her voice.
"And they've named Nathan Harrow as the temporary trustee."
