Chapter 9 - THE HARRINGTON FAMILY'S LAST GAMBLE
Edward Harrington's financial problems worsened.
The port agreement was collapsing.
Investors were withdrawing.
And the evidence of diverted funds threatened to expose years of misconduct.
Edward decided to act.
He contacted Dr. Leonard Pierce.
The two men met in a private office.
Edward placed a folder on the desk.
"How much do you know about Isabella Vale's pregnancy?"
Pierce looked uncomfortable.
"I shouldn't discuss a patient."
Edward stared.
"You already reviewed her records."
Pierce swallowed.
"That was a mistake."
Edward leaned forward.
"Then help me fix it."
Pierce shook his head.
"No."
Edward's expression hardened.
"You understand what's at stake."
Pierce looked away.
"I won't falsify medical information."
Edward stared.
Then stood.
"You're making a mistake."
Pierce contacted his attorney.
He disclosed the unauthorized record access and agreed to cooperate with investigators.
His decision did not erase his misconduct.
But it provided evidence.
Meanwhile, Celeste discovered that her father had been using her.
She had believed he wanted her to marry Dante because he cared about her future.
Now she realized she was a bargaining piece.
The revelation did not make her innocent.
She had humiliated Isabella willingly.
But it forced her to confront the consequences of her choices.
Celeste approached Isabella outside a medical office one afternoon.
Evelyn immediately stepped forward.
"Don't."
Celeste raised her hands.
"I'm not here to cause trouble."
Isabella stared.
"What do you want?"
Celeste looked down.
"I owe you an apology."
Isabella said nothing.
Celeste continued.
"I was cruel to you."
"Yes."
"I wanted Dante."
"I know."
Celeste swallowed.
"And I thought if I made you feel small enough, you'd leave."
Isabella looked at her.
"Congratulations. You succeeded."
Celeste flinched.
Isabella continued.
"But you didn't win anything."
Celeste's eyes filled.
"I know."
Isabella placed a hand on her stomach.
"I hope you become someone who doesn't need to destroy another woman to feel important."
Then she walked away.
May you like
Celeste remained standing on the sidewalk.
For the first time, she had no clever response.
