Chapter 11 - THE WOMAN WHO WANTED TWO CHILDREN GONE
Victoria Blackwood had been manipulating Elijah's medical care and financial records.
Now evidence connected her to the night Gabriel nearly died.
I sat across from Detective Brooks as she explained the recovered recording.
The audio had been preserved by Emilia.
Investigators were authenticating it and comparing it with other records.
The conversation appeared to involve Sebastian and Victoria discussing the warehouse.
Victoria's voice was cold.
"If Gabriel talks, the trust is finished."
Sebastian answered.
"Then he won't talk."
A long silence followed.
Then Victoria said something that made me feel sick.
"And what about the woman?"
Sebastian replied.
"She doesn't know anything."
Victoria's voice sharpened.
"Make sure it stays that way."
I covered my mouth.
Me.
They were talking about me.
A pregnant twenty-one-year-old woman who believed her boyfriend worked in shipping.
I hadn't known anything about criminal accounts.
Hidden trusts.
Or stolen money.
But apparently, someone had decided I was dangerous simply because Gabriel loved me.
Detective Brooks continued.
"The investigation is expanding. Several financial accounts have been frozen, and authorities are examining the alleged threats and the circumstances of the fire."
I nodded.
"What about Elijah?"
"His hospital's privacy and security teams have restricted unauthorized access to his records and visits."
Relief washed through me.
For the first time in weeks, I felt as though someone was taking our safety seriously.
Then another development emerged.
The financial review showed that Victoria's company had received millions intended for legitimate patient assistance and family trust administration.
Some charges appeared unsupported.
Others involved services never provided.
And a substantial amount had been routed through consulting companies linked to Sebastian.
Kieran looked devastated when Rebecca explained.
"My brother used Elijah's illness."
His voice broke.
"And I helped fund it."
I looked toward him.
"You didn't know everything."
He nodded.
"No. But I should have verified where the money went."
I appreciated that he didn't excuse himself.
For years, powerful men had been telling me everything was complicated.
As though complexity erased responsibility.
Kieran was finally learning that it didn't.
Then he asked something unexpected.
"Saraphina, would you let me help with Elijah's remaining hospital bills?"
I hesitated.
"Not as a favor."
He nodded.
"Then how?"
"Through an arrangement Rebecca can review. No conditions. No control over my decisions."
Kieran smiled faintly.
"Agreed."
I studied him.
"And no expecting me to be grateful forever."
His expression softened.
"I wouldn't."
For the first time, I believed him.
That afternoon, Elijah's doctors shared encouraging news.
His evaluation had identified a treatment plan they believed offered a reasonable path forward, though risks remained.
I cried with relief.
Then I called Maya.
She screamed so loudly I had to hold the phone away from my ear.
For a moment, life felt hopeful.
But the following morning, the hospital's security team contacted me.
A woman had attempted to enter Elijah's room using an authorization that had already been revoked.
The woman left before staff could question her.
Security footage showed her face.
Victoria Blackwood.
And in her hand was a folder marked:
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EMERGENCY GUARDIANSHIP PETITION — ELIJAH TORRES.
She was still trying to take my son.
