Chapter 17 - THE TRUTH ABOUT THE PREGNANCY|
The words haunted me.
My father insisted that Carlo was twisting the truth, but he also admitted that he had worked on early reproductive research before Northstar became involved in criminal operations.
He had studied inherited conditions and assisted with medical procedures designed to preserve fertility after traumatic injuries.
Luca listened without interrupting.
“Did you work on my case?” he finally asked.
My father shook his head.
“No. I never treated you. But I knew about the procedure performed at Saint Gabriel.”
“Was it successful?”
“Yes.”
“Then why was I told I was infertile?”
“Because Augusto wanted to control the results.”
Luca leaned back.
“Did you know about the false diagnosis?”
“I suspected it. Isabella contacted me after she discovered the records had been changed. I helped her preserve copies.”
“Why didn't you come forward?”
My father looked at me.
“Because I was trying to protect my daughter.”
I understood his fear.
But I also understood the cost.
Luca had lost twelve years believing he could never have a child. Matteo had lost his parents. Elena had lost her son. Isabella had died with a secret she couldn't safely reveal.
And I had entered the family believing my marriage would never include a baby.
“What does Northstar have to do with my pregnancy?” I asked.
My father opened the original research file.
“Your pregnancy is natural. The medical records don't suggest otherwise. But the genetic database identified a connection between your family and the Varenna family years ago.”
“What connection?”
“Your father's family carried a marker that was useful in identifying certain inherited traits. Northstar used it to track descendants.”
Luca frowned.
“Are you saying Evelyn was chosen because of her genetics?”
“No. She met you independently. But someone in the company recognized her name after the marriage.”
I remembered the document listing my maternal family history.
“Who?”
My father pointed to a series of internal messages.
The first was from Carlo.
The second was from Augusto.
The final message was from a lawyer who had helped prepare my marriage contract.
It read:
If the marriage produces an heir, the inheritance structure must be reviewed immediately.
Luca stared at the screen.
“They knew I could have children.”
“Yes.”
“And they knew Evelyn's family had a connection to the research.”
“Yes.”
I felt sick.
“Did someone arrange our marriage?”
My father shook his head.
“I don't believe so. But after you married, they began monitoring you.”
Luca stood.
“Who prepared the contract?”
“Your father's attorney, Martin Shaw.”
Marco checked the records.
Martin had resigned from the family legal office two weeks earlier.
His last known address was a private apartment in Boston.
Luca ordered a legal team to contact him.
But before they could reach the apartment, Martin called.
“I want immunity,” he said.
“From what?” Luca asked.
“Everything I know.”
“Then tell me.”
Martin hesitated.
“Augusto didn't just falsify your diagnosis. He had a plan to remove you from the succession if you ever produced an heir.”
Luca's voice turned cold.
“What plan?”
May you like
Martin whispered:
“He arranged for the family council to recognize Carlo as the legal successor. And the vote is scheduled for tomorrow morning.”
