Chapter 3 — Every Lie Leaves a Trail
The forged surrogacy agreement was examined immediately.
The notary license belonged to a woman who had retired six years earlier.
The bank account listed for payment had never existed.
Claire's verified signature from hospital records didn't match the contract.
Then came the security footage.
Hospital cameras showed Adrian slipping papers beneath Claire's admission forms while she was in labor.
Another camera captured Vanessa removing documents from her handbag moments before entering the room.
Digital forensic specialists confirmed the signatures had been copied electronically.
One detective closed the folder.
"This isn't a custody dispute."
He looked directly at Adrian.
"This is fraud."
"And attempted kidnapping."
Vanessa's face turned white.
Celeste slowly sat down.
For the first time all day...
Nobody in the Hale family had anything to say.
An officer carefully lifted Lily from Vanessa's arms and placed the newborn back against Claire's chest.
The crying stopped almost instantly.
Claire closed her eyes.
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For the first time since giving birth...
She finally held her daughter again.
