Chapter 10 - THE MOTHER'S FINAL CONFESSION|
Luca read the sentence again.
Then he looked at Thomas.
“Why did my mother let me believe the diagnosis?”
“She didn't.”
“Then explain.”
Thomas lowered himself into a chair.
“After your accident, your mother was told you might never walk properly again. She was desperate. Augusto convinced her the family needed a specialist, so she authorized the transfer to Saint Gabriel.”
“And the second operation?”
“Your mother approved it. She believed it was necessary to repair the damage. The procedure succeeded.”
“Then what happened?”
“Augusto discovered you could still father children. He believed that would threaten a business agreement he had been negotiating.”
Thomas explained that Augusto had arranged for Luca's medical records to be altered. Dr. Vale was paid to issue a false diagnosis. Thomas signed the follow-up report under pressure.
“Why didn't you tell me?” Luca asked.
Thomas looked down.
“Because Augusto threatened my family. He said if I exposed him, my daughter would disappear.”
Luca's expression remained cold.
“You let me spend twelve years believing I was incapable of having a family.”
“I know.”
“You let me sign a marriage contract saying I would never have children.”
Thomas began crying.
“I know.”
I reached for Luca's hand, but he didn't move.
“Why did my mother leave that note?”
Thomas took a breath.
“She discovered the false report after Matteo was taken. She planned to tell you. But Augusto intercepted her.”
“Did he kill her?”
Thomas looked horrified.
“I don't know. But I believe she was poisoned.”
Teresa, who had been standing near the door, made a small sound.
“What?”
Thomas looked at her.
“Isabella's final medical records showed unusual levels of a sedative. The official cause of death was a cardiac event. I was ordered to sign the certificate.”
Luca's face became frighteningly calm.
“Who ordered you?”
“Augusto.”
For a long moment, nobody spoke.
Then Luca asked, “Where is Matteo?”
Thomas shook his head.
“I don't know. But I know who handled the transfer.”
“Carlo?”
“Yes.”
“Where is he now?”
“At Northstar's private research center.”
Marco checked the address.
It was outside the city, on a large property surrounded by woods.
Luca looked at him.
“Get a team ready.”
I stepped forward.
“Luca, don't go there without the police.”
He turned.
“Evelyn—”
“I am carrying your child. I will not sit here while you walk into a trap.”
His expression softened.
“You're right.”
He looked at Marco.
“Contact the authorities. No one moves until we have a legal warrant.”
Thomas suddenly grabbed Luca's sleeve.
“There's something else.”
“What?”
“Carlo has been preparing a public announcement. He intends to challenge your position as heir.”
Luca stared at him.
“On what grounds?”
Thomas looked toward me.
“Because he plans to claim your unborn child is not yours.”
My blood ran cold.
“How?”
Thomas lowered his voice.
“He has a copy of the original medical report, and he knows about your marriage contract.”
May you like
Then he delivered the final blow.
“He also has a witness who claims Evelyn was involved with another man before your wedding.”
