Chapter 1 - THE WOMAN AT THE FRONT DOOR
Vanessa was almost at the front door when Luca's voice stopped her.
“Don't take another step.”
She froze.
Two security guards moved into the hallway. One closed the door; the other stood between Vanessa and the exit.
“Luca, you're frightening everyone,” she said, forcing a laugh. “I was only going to get some air.”
“You can get all the air you need after you explain why a hospital believes you have authority over my sister's unborn child.”
Olivia was crying so hard she could barely breathe. I moved beside her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Slowly, sweetheart. Don't try to stand.”
Luca turned to Daniel, his head of security.
“Call the hospital. Tell them Olivia is returning for immediate medical assessment. Have an ambulance come here if they recommend it. And get Francesca on the phone.”
Vanessa shook her head.
“She doesn't need an ambulance. She's just emotional.”
Luca's eyes turned cold.
“You are not making another medical decision for her.”
He took the discharge papers from the table and examined every page. The signature beside the family-contact restriction looked convincing at first glance. But Luca knew his own signature.
“This is forged.”
Vanessa's lips parted.
“Darling—”
“Don't call me that.”
Olivia reached for his sleeve.
“Luca, the baby's heartbeat was strange. The nurse said they wanted to monitor her, but Vanessa told them you had ordered her home.”
Luca knelt in front of his sister.
“I never gave that order. I'm taking you back to the hospital, and this time I'll be there.”
He looked at me.
“Claire, stay with her. Don't let anyone move these papers.”
Vanessa gave a sharp laugh.
“You're all acting as though I've committed some terrible crime. I was helping.”
I looked at the frightened woman beside me.
“Then why did you tell the hospital not to contact her brother?”
Vanessa's expression hardened.
For a moment, the mask slipped.
“Because this family doesn't need another person interfering with my plans.”
The room went silent.
Luca slowly stood.
“What plans?”
Vanessa said nothing.
Then Daniel's phone rang. He listened for several seconds before looking at Luca.
“Boss, the hospital has confirmed the guardian document was submitted yesterday. It includes a request to transfer the newborn to a private care facility immediately after delivery.”
Luca stared at his wife.
“Who arranged it?”
May you like
Daniel swallowed.
“Vanessa did.”
