The Clause Before Dawn
Chapter 03 - The Clause Before Dawn
Ethan’s grandfather, Dr. Samuel Hale, founded Saint Catherine’s as a community hospital.
He distrusted family inheritance.
His will gave Ethan temporary control of Hale Medical Group but imposed one condition: if Ethan had no legally recognized child with his lawful spouse by the tenth anniversary of Samuel’s death, voting control would pass to the employees.
The deadline was four hours away.
Rachel had discovered the clause only a week earlier.
Ethan never mentioned it during their marriage.
She also discovered millions missing from hospital pension accounts.
When she confronted him, he promised an explanation after the baby arrived.
Now she understood.
He did not need a child.
He needed a birth certificate before dawn.
Celeste’s labor had been induced under Rachel’s name.
Ethan intended to present the birth record to the probate court at 4:00 a.m.
Lena accessed the laboratory file.
Celeste’s blood type did not match the type stored under Rachel’s record. If an emergency transfusion had been needed, the false identity could have caused a fatal error.
“This was not only fraud,” Lena said. “You put both patients at risk.”
Ethan insisted the records would be corrected after delivery.
Rachel laughed through her tears.
“You built a temporary lie around a permanent child.”
Celeste removed the monitor straps.
“I am leaving.”
Dr. Chen stopped her gently.
“You may be in active labor. You need medical care, but under your own name.”
Celeste looked at Ethan.
“You said Rachel knew.”
He moved toward her.
“She will understand when the company is secure.”
Rachel answered from the doorway.
“No. I finally understand now.”
Paul Danner shut down the maternity floor elevators.
He claimed it was for privacy.
Lena saw security guards take positions near every exit.
May you like
The hospital was not protecting patients.
It was keeping witnesses from leaving before the false birth certificate could be filed.
