Chapter 10 - THE LAST LIE
The forged guardianship document led investigators to a storage office at Laurent Medical Holdings.
Inside, they found copies of Elena's medical records, correspondence with Dr. Reed, and invoices for medication that had never been delivered to the clinic.
They also found a draft agreement transferring control of Elena's rehabilitation trust to a guardian appointed by the family court.
The proposed guardian was Celeste.
Adrian read the document in silence.
“She wanted control of the trust.”
His attorney nodded.
“Your daughter's trust was established by her late mother. It can be used for medical care, education, and long-term support. If Elena were declared permanently incapacitated and you were deemed unable to manage her affairs, Celeste intended to petition for control.”
“Why would I be deemed unable?”
“Her father's company had been gathering material to portray you as unstable and dangerous. They were preparing a case that would make you appear unfit.”
Adrian looked at Victor.
“Did they have someone inside my security team?”
Victor hesitated.
“We found a staff member who sent them your schedule and copies of visitor logs.”
“Who?”
“Martin Cole. He was assigned to the east wing.”
Adrian's expression hardened.
“Bring him in.”
Martin was questioned by investigators. He admitted receiving money from Laurent Medical Holdings, though he denied knowing about the forged papers or the medication changes.
The evidence against Celeste and her father continued to grow.
Dr. Reed, confronted with the prescription records and financial transfers, admitted that he had altered Elena's medication schedule at Celeste's request. He claimed he believed the changes were temporary and intended to make the child easier to manage during difficult periods.
He also admitted that he had exaggerated the severity of Elena's condition in reports submitted to the trust.
The admission did not undo the harm.
But it explained why Adrian had been told that no meaningful rehabilitation was possible.
Maren sat beside Elena while Dr. Shah explained the next phase of treatment.
“Your muscles have been underused,” the specialist said. “Some of the medication effects may improve as we safely adjust the plan. Your recovery will take time, and we cannot guarantee exactly how much movement you will regain.”
Elena looked at Maren.
“Can I still dance with my hands?”
“Of course,” Maren said.
“And maybe with my feet?”
Dr. Shah smiled gently.
“We'll work toward whatever movement is possible, one step at a time.”
Elena considered this.
“Then I want to practice.”
That afternoon, Adrian received a call from Celeste.
He answered on speaker.
“You've destroyed everything,” she said.
“No. You did that.”
“You think a few altered records make me a criminal?”
“I think the investigators will decide what your records mean.”
Celeste laughed bitterly.
“You were never supposed to find out. Your daughter was supposed to remain dependent. You were supposed to need me.”
Adrian's face became still.
“Why?”
“Because you were easier to control when you were afraid.”
The line went silent for a moment.
Then Celeste continued.
“You should have married me when I asked. I could have given Elena a stable home.”
“You tried to take her choices away.”
“I tried to protect the future.”
“You tried to own it.”
Celeste's voice dropped.
“Your little maid won't be there forever.”
Adrian looked toward Maren, who was sitting with Elena in the garden.
“She doesn't have to be. Elena will know the difference between someone who stays because they care and someone who stays because they want something.”
He ended the call.
That night, Celeste and her father were formally questioned. Their accounts were frozen pending investigation, and the forged guardianship papers became part of the evidence.
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The case was no longer a private family dispute.
It was a matter for the courts.
