Chapter 5 - The Unraveling Truth
The next morning, Boston Children’s Hospital was bathed in the crisp light of early autumn. Dr. Vance reviewed Lena’s charts thoroughly while Adrien and Meera sat side by side in the consultation room, their shoulders brushing against each other.
“The ventricular septal defect is significant,” Dr. Vance explained, displaying the 3D scans of Lena’s tiny heart. “However, because of her age and current lung function, she is an excellent candidate for a minimally invasive corrective procedure. With the right surgical team, the success rate is over ninety-five percent.”
Meera let out a long, shaky breath, burying her face in her hands. Adrien instinctively reached over, placing a hand on her back, rubbing gentle circles as she wept tears of relief. For the first time in five years, Meera allowed herself to lean into his touch.
Once Lena was settled in a private recovery suite for pre-op monitoring, Adrien stepped into the hallway and made a call to a private investigative firm and his personal attorney, Arthur Pendelton.
“Arthur,” Adrien said coldly. “I need a full forensic audit of Hail & Mercer Innovations over the last six years. And I want a subpoena for Lucas Mercer’s medical consultant records.”
By noon, the audit was underway. By late afternoon, Arthur met Adrien in a private conference room down the street. The results were staggering. Lucas had forged the fertility report using a corrupt lab technician whom he had bribed with $50,000. Furthermore, the offshore accounts revealed that Evelyn Hail had been using Lucas’s shell companies to hide assets from Adrien’s father’s estate.
“They didn’t just lie to you, Adrien,” Arthur said grimly. “They committed massive wire fraud, corporate embezzlement, and conspiracy.”
“File the criminal charges,” Adrien said without hesitation. “And notify the board of directors. I want Lucas removed as CEO by tomorrow morning.”
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“What about your mother?” Arthur asked quietly.
Adrien looked out the window toward Beacon Hill. “My mother chose her path five years ago. Now she can live with the consequences.”
