Chapter 5 - THE DOCTOR WHO SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN THERE
Dante had never been afraid of hospitals.
He had survived gunshot wounds.
Broken ribs.
Knife injuries.
He had spent nights beside men who were bleeding and mornings signing medical bills without flinching.
But the thought of someone interfering with Isabella's pregnancy made him feel powerless.
Samuel called him with new information.
"The medical authorization was submitted through a clinic connected to Dr. Leonard Pierce."
Dante frowned.
"Pierce?"
"He's affiliated with a private obstetric practice."
Dante remembered the name.
Celeste's mother had recommended him.
Isabella had mentioned feeling uncomfortable after one consultation.
Dante had dismissed it.
Another mistake.
He contacted Amelia Hart, a healthcare attorney recommended by Samuel.
She reviewed the authorization request.
"This document doesn't appear to have been signed by your wife."
Dante stared.
"Forged?"
"Possibly. We need verification."
"Can you stop them accessing her records?"
"We can notify the providers and request an audit of disclosures."
Dante nodded.
"Do it."
Meanwhile, Isabella met with her own medical team.
The specialist reviewed her records and explained that the fetal rhythm irregularity required follow-up but did not necessarily indicate a severe condition.
Isabella felt some relief.
Then she mentioned Dr. Pierce.
The specialist frowned.
"He wasn't part of our team."
Isabella stared.
"He reviewed my records."
"With your permission?"
"I thought Dante arranged it."
The doctor looked concerned.
"We'll investigate how he obtained access."
That evening, Isabella called Dante.
He answered immediately.
"Bella?"
She closed her eyes.
"I need to ask you something."
"Anything."
"Did you authorize Dr. Pierce to review my pregnancy records?"
A pause.
"No."
Her stomach tightened.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
She swallowed.
"Then someone did it without my permission."
Dante went silent.
Then said:
"I know."
Isabella stared.
"What do you mean?"
"I found the request."
Her voice hardened.
"And you didn't tell me?"
"I was trying to confirm what happened."
She closed her eyes.
"Dante."
"I know."
"No, you don't."
She took a breath.
"You still think protecting me means deciding what I should know."
He said nothing.
Isabella continued.
"If you want to help, tell me the truth. All of it."
Dante looked toward the documents on his desk.
Then answered:
"You're right."
May you like
It was the first time he had said those words without adding an explanation.
And Isabella heard the difference.
