Chapter 8 - THE DOCTOR WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
Dr. Marcus Hale had treated Alessandro for eleven months.
He knew his medical history.
His medications.
His routines.
And the details of his heart condition.
But he had never personally dispensed the medication Alessandro received at the estate.
That responsibility had been handled through a private pharmacy arrangement.
An arrangement Victor managed.
When the laboratory results arrived, Hale called Alessandro immediately.
“The tablets in that bottle are not the prescribed medication.”
Alessandro closed his eyes.
“What are they?”
Hale explained that the laboratory had identified a different drug with potentially serious effects for someone with Alessandro's condition.
The findings supported deliberate substitution.
Alessandro sat silently.
Then asked:
“How long has this been happening?”
Hale hesitated.
“We don't know.”
The investigation expanded to previous medication deliveries.
Pharmacy records showed discrepancies.
Several refills had been signed for by Victor.
Others were marked delivered but never reached the estate through the documented courier.
Hale reviewed Alessandro's recent symptoms.
Fatigue.
Dizziness.
Episodes of weakness.
He had previously attributed them to the underlying heart condition and stress.
Now he was concerned that medication irregularities might have contributed.
Alessandro stared at him.
“Could someone have been making me sick for months?”
Hale answered carefully.
“It's possible. We need to evaluate the records and your condition before drawing conclusions.”
That evening, Elena visited Alessandro at the estate.
She had come to collect Sophia's remaining belongings.
Alessandro met her in the foyer.
“Thank you for coming.”
Elena nodded.
“I'm only here for her things.”
“I know.”
He looked tired.
Paler than usual.
Elena noticed.
“Are you okay?”
Alessandro smiled faintly.
“Apparently, I've been taking the wrong medication.”
Her face changed.
“Because of Victor?”
“The investigation is ongoing.”
Elena looked down.
Then whispered:
“Sophia was right.”
Alessandro nodded.
“Yes.”
Elena hesitated.
“She's been worried about you.”
He looked up.
“She has?”
“She asked whether the bad pills were gone.”
Alessandro smiled sadly.
“Tell her they are.”
Elena nodded.
Then turned to leave.
“Elena.”
She stopped.
“Yes?”
Alessandro looked at her.
“I owe your daughter my life.”
Elena's eyes filled.
He continued.
“And I owe you the truth about Nathan.”
She stared at him.
“Then don't stop until you find it.”
May you like
Alessandro nodded.
“I won't.”
