Chapter 3 - THE HOSPITAL
The ambulance arrived within minutes.
Daniel rode beside Amelia as paramedics examined her.
Victoria was left behind with the security manager.
She watched the ambulance disappear through the gates.
Her hands trembled.
She immediately pulled out her phone.
There was one person she needed to call.
Marcus Vale.
Her older brother.
He answered on the first ring.
“You're in trouble.”
Victoria closed her eyes.
“Daniel saw the recording.”
Marcus was silent.
“How much?”
“Everything.”
“Then you need to leave.”
“I can't.”
“Victoria, listen to me.”
“I can't leave.”
“Why?”
She looked toward the mansion.
“Because Amelia knows.”
Marcus's voice changed.
“Knows what?”
Victoria whispered.
“She knows the baby isn't Daniel's.”
Silence.
Then Marcus said something that made Victoria freeze.
“Are you sure?”
Victoria looked at the ambulance lights disappearing in the distance.
“I've known for months.”
Marcus sighed.
“Then this isn't about the recording anymore.”
Victoria's voice dropped.
“What do you mean?”
“If Amelia tells Daniel the truth, you're finished.”
Meanwhile, inside the ambulance, Amelia stared through the rear window.
Daniel held her hand.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
She looked at him.
“About Victoria?”
“Yes.”
“Because I thought you would defend her.”
Daniel's expression tightened.
“Why would I?”
“Because you always trusted her.”
He looked away.
“I was wrong.”
Amelia swallowed.
“There’s more.”
Daniel turned back.
“What?”
Amelia hesitated.
“I've been receiving messages.”
“From Victoria?”
“I don't know.”
“What did they say?”
“That if I didn't leave you, something would happen to the baby.”
Daniel's eyes hardened.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“I was trying to protect you.”
“You should have let me protect you.”
Amelia looked down.
Then the paramedic suddenly interrupted.
“Ma'am, we're going to need you to stay calm.”
Amelia looked frightened.
“What?”
The paramedic checked the monitor.
“Your baby's heart rate just changed.”
May you like
Daniel's face went pale.
The ambulance accelerated.
