Chapter 17 - What Happened Before Birth
The surgeon had discovered signs of reduced oxygen flow that began before Elise was born.
Dr. Morales reviewed my prenatal records.
My placental abruption had been classified as sudden and unexplained.
A toxicology test performed during my emergency admission had never reached my chart.
The result had been removed by the same laboratory supervisor who altered the NICU reports.
The original sample was still stored.
It contained traces of a medication known to increase bleeding risk.
I had never been prescribed that medication.
Investigators searched the apartment I had shared with Grant.
They found a bottle hidden behind cleaning supplies.
My name appeared on the pharmacy label.
The prescription had been submitted electronically through a physician account connected to Calvin’s network.
Security footage from our apartment showed Grant crushing tablets in the kitchen.
The camera angle did not reveal what he did next.
Another recording did.
Our smart refrigerator had captured motion-triggered video while Grant prepared my evening tea.
He opened the bottle.
He poured powder into my cup.
The placental abruption that nearly killed me had not been an accident.
Grant had intended to cause an early delivery.
He believed the premature birth would make me physically and emotionally vulnerable enough to sign away the trust assets.
He had planned to leave with Vanessa after gaining control of the company.
He had gambled with three lives.
Mine.
Noah’s.
Elise’s.
When Margaret told me, I felt no dramatic burst of rage.
I felt something colder.
The last piece of love I had carried for Grant disappeared.
Federal agents questioned him that evening.
He denied poisoning me.
Then they played the kitchen recording.
His attorney ended the interview.
Charges were added.
Attempted murder.
Patient endangerment.
Fraud.
Evidence tampering.
Conspiracy.
Grant requested to speak with me privately.
I refused.
He sent a written message instead.
Emma, Calvin planned everything.
I made mistakes, but I never wanted you dead.
May you like
On the back of the page, Grant had written another line.
Ask Vanessa who bought the medication.
