Chapter 3 - THE DOCUMENT IN THE BABY BAG
Olivia was admitted for observation. The doctor explained that the baby needed monitoring and that no one could predict the outcome until they had more information.
Luca stayed beside her.
I returned to the mansion with Daniel to collect Olivia's hospital bag, phone charger, and the small overnight case she'd packed before the ambulance arrived.
Her bedroom was on the second floor, overlooking the garden. A pale yellow blanket lay folded at the foot of the bed. Beside it sat a half-finished basket of baby clothes.
I opened the bag carefully.
Inside were pajamas, toiletries, a little knitted hat, and a blue folder.
The folder contained copies of Olivia's identification, her late husband's insurance documents, and a letter from an attorney.
Daniel examined the letter.
“It's about a trust?”
I nodded.
The letter had been written by Olivia's late husband, Ethan, six months before his death. He had established a trust for his child, with Olivia as the primary guardian and beneficiary representative. If Olivia became unable to act, Luca was named as the temporary family guardian.
A separate page stated that no person could assume custody or control of the trust without approval from the family court.
I read it twice.
“Why would Vanessa want custody of the baby?”
Daniel looked at the letter.
“Because the child is the beneficiary.”
A second document was tucked behind the trust papers. It was a draft petition requesting that Vanessa be appointed temporary guardian of the newborn.
The petition claimed Olivia had a history of emotional instability and had refused recommended medical care.
I felt sick.
“She's trying to make Olivia look unfit.”
Daniel photographed every page and called Francesca.
When Luca answered, Daniel explained what we'd found.
There was a long silence.
“Bring the documents to Francesca,” Luca said. “Do not remove anything else from Olivia's room. Photograph the room before you leave.”
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Then he added, quietly:
“Vanessa has been planning this for longer than we thought.”
