Chapter 13 - The Night Abigail Went Into Labor
The hospital where Evelyn Foster had worked was about to reveal a secret worth millions.
But Abigail never reached it that afternoon.
She was standing beside Matteo's car when a sudden pain seized her abdomen.
Her fingers tightened around the door.
"Matteo."
He turned.
Her face had gone pale.
"Abigail?"
She gripped her belly.
"Something's wrong."
Matteo was beside her instantly.
"What happened?"
"Pain. Really bad pain."
He called emergency services.
Abigail tried to breathe through another contraction.
"I'm only thirty-one weeks."
Matteo crouched beside her.
"Help is coming."
Tears filled her eyes.
"My baby isn't ready."
He gently took her hand.
"You're going to the hospital. The doctors will take care of both of you."
Within minutes, paramedics arrived.
Matteo followed the ambulance.
At Northwestern Memorial Hospital, doctors examined Abigail and began monitoring her closely.
She was experiencing preterm contractions.
The medical team explained the possible risks and started appropriate treatment while assessing whether labor could be delayed.
Abigail listened carefully.
But fear overwhelmed her.
She had spent months dreaming of holding her baby.
Buying tiny clothes.
Choosing his name.
Imagining the day she'd finally see his face.
Now all she could think was that he might arrive too soon.
Matteo waited outside until she asked for him.
When he entered, she looked terrified.
"Can you stay?"
He pulled a chair beside the bed.
"Of course."
She looked down.
"I know you're busy."
"Abigail, nothing on my calendar is more important than this."
Her eyes filled.
"You don't have to say that."
"I know."
He stayed anyway.
For hours, doctors worked to stabilize her condition.
Eventually, the contractions slowed.
The immediate danger eased.
Abigail cried with relief.
Matteo remained beside her.
At midnight, Isabella arrived with food and a bag containing Abigail's personal belongings.
She hugged her carefully.
"Your little boy is already keeping everyone busy."
Abigail managed a weak smile.
"He's stubborn."
Isabella laughed.
"Sounds familiar."
Then Gabriel entered.
His expression was serious.
"Matteo, we found the records."
Matteo stood.
"Where?"
"In the hospital's old records archive. Evelyn hid a sealed evidence packet among materials that were transferred for long-term storage."
"What was inside?"
"Original financial reports, copies of forged invoices, and patient records documenting the consequences of missing equipment."
Matteo's face hardened.
"Enough to prove Margaret's involvement?"
"Enough for investigators to expand the case substantially."
Abigail looked at Gabriel.
"Does this mean they can arrest her?"
"They're seeking the necessary warrants."
Gabriel hesitated.
"But there's something else."
Matteo frowned.
"What?"
"The investigators found a payment authorization tied to Evelyn's death."
Abigail stopped breathing.
"Who signed it?"
Gabriel looked at her with an expression of deep sadness.
"The person who paid for the attack on your mother wasn't Margaret."
Abigail's heart pounded.
"Then who?"
May you like
Gabriel whispered the name.
"Vanessa Sinclair."
