The Paternity Trap
Chapter 06 - The Paternity Trap
Blair held a press conference before dawn.
Without naming Hannah, she announced that a “distressed family member” had attacked a hospital executive during the maternity-wing gala. She spoke about mental-health compassion, patient privacy, and the danger of misinformation.
By sunrise, local media described Hannah as unstable.
A photograph of her on the floor circulated online without the moments that caused the fall.
Evan’s office released no correction.
Hannah watched the reports from bed while Dr. Hale monitored early contractions triggered by stress.
“This is how they win,” she told Naomi. “They create a public conclusion before the facts arrive.”
Naomi set down the blood-pressure cuff. “Then make the facts arrive faster.”
Nora agreed.
They released Naomi’s video to one investigative reporter, along with the altered paternity report and the security access logs. The reporter agreed to delay publication for six hours while the district attorney secured warrants.
Blair reacted by visiting Evan.
Their conversation took place in the executive chapel, a room Blair believed had no cameras. She was wrong. Arthur had installed audio recording after a donor bribery scandal five years earlier.
On the recording, Blair’s voice was calm.
“You need to sign the incapacity petition today.”
Evan replied, “The paternity report is compromised.”
“Then use the fall. Say she endangered the baby.”
“My father is protecting her.”
“Your father is protecting the shares.”
A long silence followed.
Then Evan said, “You promised the child wouldn’t matter.”
Blair answered, “It won’t, if Hannah signs the proxy.”
Hannah listened with her face empty.
Arthur left the room before the recording ended.
He returned ten minutes later, carrying a resignation form.
“My son will sign this,” he said.
“Not yet,” Hannah replied.
Arthur stared at her.
“If Evan resigns now, Blair becomes the only visible villain. He will claim he was manipulated. The board will protect the family name.”
“You want him exposed.”
“I want the truth exposed.”
Her distinction mattered.
Blair had built the trap, but Evan had stepped into it willingly. He had opened Hannah’s files, commissioned a genealogical search, and believed a forged paternity test because believing it benefited him.
Hannah asked Nora to prepare three questions for Evan.
Did you know who my mother was before you proposed?
Did you authorize access to my prenatal records?
Did you plan to declare me incompetent after childbirth?
When Evan entered the room, he looked at the papers and then at Hannah.
“I love you,” he said.
May you like
Hannah did not raise her voice.
“That wasn’t one of the questions.”
