Chapter 6 - THE FILE BIANCA HID
Gabriel's investigation uncovered the first evidence two weeks later.
Bianca had accessed Adrian's private correspondence through an executive assistant account.
She'd redirected messages.
Deleted notifications.
And created rules that filtered communications from Elena into an archived folder.
There were thirty-seven messages.
Thirty-seven.
Adrian sat alone in his office reading them.
The first was dated eight months earlier.
Adrian, I need to tell you something important. Please call me.
The second:
I had an appointment today. Everything looks good. I wish you could have been there.
The third:
I know you're busy, but I really need you.
Then the messages became shorter.
Please.
Can we talk?
I don't feel well.
One message contained an ultrasound photograph.
Another contained a hospital discharge summary.
Then, seven months earlier:
She's here.
Adrian stared at the photograph attached.
Sofia.
Newborn.
Wrapped in a white blanket.
Her tiny face barely visible beneath a pink cap.
He covered his mouth.
The final message was sent weeks after Sofia's birth.
Adrian, I can't keep trying to make you care. I will always protect our daughter. I hope one day you want to know her.
Adrian began crying.
Not quietly.
Not gracefully.
He bent forward, his shoulders shaking.
Gabriel stood near the door.
For a long time, neither spoke.
Then Adrian whispered, “She tried.”
Gabriel nodded.
“Yes.”
“She tried to tell me.”
“Yes.”
May you like
Adrian looked at the screen.
“And I never even asked why she stopped.”
