Chapter 7 - The Hospital File
Julian didn't sleep. Armed with the receipts Marcus had handed him, he drove through the stormy Chicago night to the archives of Mercy General Hospital, where Nora had received her early prenatal screenings under an alias.
Using his family’s benefactor clearance, he demanded the unredacted medical files from the head of obstetrics, Dr. Helen Hayes—a long-time family friend.
Dr. Hayes closed her office door, looking at Julian with profound disappointment. “I wondered when you’d show up, Julian.”
“Why didn’t she tell me?” Julian asked, his voice breaking. “Why did she keep the pregnancy a secret for eighteen weeks?”
Dr. Hayes pulled a confidential lab report from the metal cabinet. “Because four months ago, Nora was admitted with severe gastrointestinal poisoning. We ran a comprehensive toxicology screen. We found trace amounts of synthetic progestin inhibitors in her bloodstream—compounds designed to induce early miscarriage.”
Julian felt the room spin. “What are you talking about?”
“Someone was slipping micro-doses of an abortifacient into her daily vitamins,” Dr. Hayes said grimly. “Nora discovered the tainted capsules in your kitchen pantry. When she had them tested independently, the compound matched the specialized fertility supplements Camille Laurent had gifted her as a ‘friendly gesture of support.’”
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Julian gripped the edge of the desk, nausea rising in his throat. He remembered Camille bringing special herbal teas to their penthouse. He remembered Eleanor insisting Nora take expensive private wellness treatments.
They weren't just plotting to steal Nora’s company. They were actively trying to ensure she never bore an heir who could claim it.
