Chapter 21
564words
Reynolds' expression hardened. "Those records are confidential, Mr. Carter. Even as her emergency contact, you don't have the right to—"
"I want to see them," Olivia interrupted. "They're my records. I have every right."
Reynolds hesitated. "I'll have to check with administration. Hospital policy for archived records—"
"Now," I said firmly. "Or I'll have my legal team here within the hour with a court order."
Something flickered in Reynolds' eyes—fear, perhaps. "I'll see what I can do," he said stiffly, before leaving the room.
"He's hiding something," Olivia said once the door closed.
"Yes," I agreed. "And I think I know what it is." I turned to Rebecca. "Stay with Olivia. I need to check something."
"Where are you going?" Olivia asked.
"I need to check something else," I said softly. "Will you be okay here with Rebecca for a little while?"
Olivia nodded, though her expression was guarded. "I'll be fine."
I leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead—the first such gesture since our separation. "I'll be back soon."
---
The hospital's security footage confirmed what I had suspected—a deliberate plot to keep me from Olivia that night. The drugged coffee, the disabled elevator, Rebecca's timely appearance—all orchestrated with precision.
But the most damning evidence came from a nurse who had assisted during Olivia's procedure. She confirmed that a doctor she'd never seen before—one with distinctive gray eyes—had insisted on administering medications himself and had deliberately performed the D&C in a way that left tissue behind. Tissue that could cause complications months later, when needed.
By the time I returned to Olivia's room, I had a clearer picture of the conspiracy against us. My father had not only separated us that night but had ensured Olivia's procedure was botched, creating a medical time bomb that could be triggered when necessary—like when she began investigating Lily Sullivan's case too deeply.
I found Victor outside Olivia's room, engaged in a heated argument with the security guards I'd posted.
"This is my hospital," he was saying, his voice cold with authority. "I'm on the board of directors, and I demand to see this patient immediately."
"Your hospital?" I said, stepping forward. "Is that why you've been manipulating Olivia's medical care? Why you arranged for me to be drugged the night she miscarried?"
Victor turned, his expression momentarily surprised before settling into its usual mask of control. "Nathan. I was just coming to check on Dr. Carter's condition. As a concerned member of the hospital board."
"Save it," I said, moving to stand between him and Olivia's door. "I know what you did. I've seen the security footage from that night."
Something flickered in his eyes—the briefest flash of concern before it was gone. "I don't know what you think you've discovered, but I assure you—"
"I think I've discovered that my own father orchestrated the destruction of my marriage," I cut him off. "And I want to know why."
Victor glanced around, noting the curious stares from passing hospital staff. "This isn't the place for this conversation."
"You're right," I agreed. "It's not. But make no mistake—we will have this conversation. And when we do, you'd better have answers for everything—the drugged coffee, the disabled elevator, paying Rebecca to lie about a pregnancy."
