Chapter 10 - THE RECORDING
Adrian listened to Mae’s recording twice.
The first time as Leah’s attorney.
The second time as a man who had known Leah since childhood.
When Doreen said fourteen million dollars activates today, he removed his glasses.
“That may be the most expensive sentence she has ever spoken.”
Leah sat in a private room with Owen against her chest.
“What happens now?”
“Hospital administration has frozen all questionable orders.”
“What about the psychiatric hold?”
“Dead.”
“Custody?”
“Nathan has parental rights.”
Leah’s stomach tightened.
“But.”
Adrian continued.
“The recording gives us grounds for emergency temporary custody protections.”
“You can get that today?”
“Yes.”
“And the trust?”
“Protected.”
Leah looked down at Owen.
“He helped her.”
“Yes.”
“Did Nathan know all along?”
“We need to establish how much.”
Leah laughed bitterly.
“He was literally outside the door.”
“I know.”
Adrian softened.
“I’m not defending him.”
“I know.”
Then Simone entered.
She looked terrified.
“I need to tell you something.”
Leah stared at her.
“What else is left?”
Simone sat.
“Nathan asked me to move into your house.”
Leah felt numb.
“When?”
“Two weeks ago.”
“What exactly did he say?”
“That you might need long-term treatment after delivery.”
Adrian started writing.
Simone continued.
“He said Owen would need stability.”
Leah looked at her.
“And you?”
“I thought he meant help with the baby.”
“You were going to move into my home while I was hospitalized?”
Simone began crying.
“Yes.”
Leah looked away.
“I’m sorry.”
“No.”
Leah’s voice remained flat.
“Keep talking.”
Simone took out her phone.
“Nathan sent messages.”
She handed it to Adrian.
One read.
Mom has the medical side handled.
Another.
Once Leah is placed, custody becomes simpler.
Another.
The trust gives us breathing room.
Leah closed her eyes.
There was no ambiguity left.
Nathan had not merely failed to stop Doreen.
He had participated.
Then Simone showed one final message.
I’ll file for divorce after thirty days.
Leah laughed.
Not because it was funny.
Because the cruelty had become almost efficient.
Remove wife.
Take baby.
Control trust.
Move mistress into house.
File divorce after Leah had been labeled unstable.
Adrian looked toward her.
“We file first.”
Leah stared at him.
“Today?”
“Today.”
She looked down at Owen.
For months, she had believed protecting her baby meant keeping the marriage calm.
Now she understood.
May you like
Protecting Owen meant ending it.
“Do it.”
