Chapter 2: The Mother's Secret
Detective Rachel Monroe arrived before sunset.
Unlike everyone else, she wasn't intimidated by billions of dollars or famous family names.
She examined Charlotte's injuries carefully.
Then she asked for security footage.
Victoria laughed.
"The cameras inside patient rooms are disabled."
Rachel nodded.
"I know."
"But the hallways aren't."
Hours of footage began playing.
Every afternoon...
Victoria entered Charlotte's room carrying a leather medical bag.
Every afternoon...
All nurses left moments before she entered.
Every afternoon...
Charlotte's heart monitor showed severe stress shortly afterward.
Rachel paused the video.
"Interesting."
She zoomed in.
Victoria wasn't alone.
A private physician entered through the service hallway.
Not one employed by the hospital.
The detective immediately tracked him down.
Faced with overwhelming evidence, the doctor finally confessed.
Victoria had hired him privately.
She insisted Charlotte remain heavily sedated.
She claimed stress could harm the unborn child.
But then came the horrifying revelation.
"There was another reason," the doctor admitted.
Rachel leaned forward.
"What reason?"
The physician lowered his head.
"She asked me whether a premature delivery could be safely induced."
Alexander felt the room spin.
The doctor continued.
"She wanted the baby delivered before Mrs. Ashford regained enough strength to leave."
Charlotte covered her mouth.
Victoria finally exploded.
"You don't understand!"
"My grandson belongs to the Ashford family!"
Rachel stared coldly at her.
"No."
"He belongs to his parents."
Investigators searched Victoria's mansion that evening.
Hidden inside a locked desk they found handwritten notes.
Every page detailed Charlotte's pregnancy.
Every appointment.
Every medication.
Every emotional breakdown.
One final page chilled everyone.
If Charlotte refuses...
Increase sedation.
Proceed before thirty-six weeks.
Mother is replaceable.
Heir is not.
May you like
Alexander couldn't breathe.
His own mother had planned to sacrifice his wife for control of his child.
