Chapter 5 - THE TRANSFER PROTOCOLArthur stared at the screen.
The file contained a detailed plan.
Hospital name.
Doctor names.
Nurse assignments.
Security clearance.
A private ambulance.
A destination.
VANCE PRIVATE MATERNITY CENTER.
Arthur knew the building.
It had been closed for almost a decade.
At least publicly.
He opened another file.
Patient:
Sarah Vance.
Estimated delivery:
Thirty-seven days.
Authorized guardians:
Eleanor Vance.
Daniel Vance.
Sarah’s name was listed second.
The unborn child’s name was blank.
Then Arthur noticed a final line.
Mother unavailable after sedation. Child transferred immediately.
His hands clenched.
This wasn't about killing Sarah.
It was about taking her child.
His phone rang.
Daniel.
Arthur answered.
“Where are you?”
“Basement.”
Arthur went still.
“Which basement?”
“The old wine cellar.”
“Are you injured?”
“Yes.”
“Can you walk?”
“I can.”
“Stay where you are.”
A pause.
“Arthur?”
“Yes?”
“You found the room, didn't you?”
Arthur looked at the surveillance wall.
“Yes.”
Daniel breathed out.
“I was hoping you wouldn't.”
“Why?”
“Because now they know you know.”
The call ended.
Arthur grabbed a flashlight.
He ran downstairs.
The wine cellar was hidden behind a movable wall.
Arthur found it open.
Inside, Daniel sat against a pillar.
His wrists were bruised.
His shirt was stained with blood.
Arthur crouched beside him.
“Who did this?”
Daniel laughed bitterly.
“My mother.”
“You're lucky to be alive.”
“I know.”
Arthur helped him stand.
“What happened?”
Daniel looked toward the dark corridor.
“She found out I was going to tell Sarah everything.”
“What everything?”
Daniel stared at him.
“The baby is the reason she married me.”
Arthur frowned.
“What?”
“Not love. Not family. The inheritance.”
Arthur didn't understand.
Daniel continued.
“My grandfather’s trust was rewritten years ago.”
“To whom?”
Daniel looked at him.
“To my first child.”
Arthur stared.
“That’s impossible.”
“No.”
Daniel swallowed.
“Eleanor knew the clause existed.”
“And?”
“She spent years trying to control who I married.”
Arthur’s eyes narrowed.
“Sarah.”
“Yes.”
“She knew Sarah was pregnant before you did?”
Daniel nodded.
“She had private doctors tracking Sarah.”
Arthur cursed under his breath.
“And Clara?”
Daniel froze.
“How do you know about her?”
“Sarah found out.”
Daniel’s face changed.
“She shouldn't have.”
“What happened to Clara?”
Daniel stared into the darkness.
“Clara was my father’s first daughter.”
Arthur remained silent.
“She discovered the trust.”
“Then?”
“My mother sent her away.”
“Where?”
“I don't know.”
Arthur looked unconvinced.
Daniel whispered:
“I thought she was dead.”
“But you don't believe that anymore.”
Daniel shook his head.
“No.”
He reached into his pocket.
Pulled out a small key.
“This opens the room where she was last seen.”
Arthur looked at it.
“Where?”
“Below the chapel.”
Arthur stared.
“There is no basement beneath the chapel.”
Daniel gave him a tired smile.
“That's what everyone thinks.”
They returned to the main house through a servant passage.
Arthur stopped suddenly.
Footsteps.
Someone was coming.
Daniel moved behind a column.
Eleanor appeared.
She was holding a small handbag.
She looked calm.
Almost peaceful.
Then she said:
“You should have stayed dead, Daniel.”
Daniel stepped into view.
“You should have told me the truth.”
Eleanor looked at Arthur.
“So.”
Her eyes narrowed.
“The old dog finally chose the wrong side.”
Arthur didn't react.
“You nearly killed Sarah.”
“No.”
Eleanor smiled.
“I nearly made sure the Vance bloodline survived.”
Daniel's face hardened.
“You tried to steal my child.”
Eleanor shook her head.
“Your child belongs to this family.”
“My child belongs to Sarah.”
Eleanor laughed.
“You still think this is about love.”
She opened her handbag.
Pulled out a document.
Then handed it to Daniel.
His face changed as he read it.
Arthur looked over his shoulder.
The document was a paternity report.
Daniel was not listed as the father.
Sarah’s unborn child had a different biological father.
Daniel stared at Eleanor.
“You forged this.”
“Did I?”
Arthur took the paper.
At the bottom was the name of a laboratory.
A legitimate laboratory.
The date was two months earlier.
Daniel whispered:
“Who?”
Eleanor smiled.
May you like
Then she said:
“Ask Sarah.”
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