Chapter 4 - THE WOMAN WHO VANISHED FROM THE RECORDS
Adrian hired an independent investigator named Thomas Reed.
He also retained a family-law attorney.
The search began with Rebecca Vale's medical records.
Rebecca had been twenty-six when she married Adrian.
Their marriage lasted four years.
They separated after a series of arguments about Adrian's relentless work schedule.
According to Adrian, Rebecca had wanted a quieter life.
He had wanted to build an empire.
“She told me I loved my companies more than her,” Adrian admitted.
Claire listened quietly.
“Was she right?”
He looked down.
“Yes.”
The investigator discovered that Rebecca had been admitted to a private hospital in Chicago shortly after their separation.
The records were incomplete.
But a birth registration existed.
A baby girl.
Born on March 17, 1994.
Adrian stared at the document.
“Thirty-two years.”
His voice broke.
“I had a daughter for thirty-two years.”
Claire sat beside him.
“You didn't know.”
He shook his head.
“But I should have.”
The records indicated that the child had been placed for adoption.
The adoption file was sealed.
Adrian's attorney explained that any search would need to respect the adult daughter's privacy and legal rights.
Adrian nodded.
“I don't want to force myself into her life.”
He looked toward Claire.
“I just want her to know she was wanted.”
Claire hesitated.
“Were you ready to be a father back then?”
Adrian looked away.
“No.”
He swallowed.
“But I would have tried.”
The investigator continued searching through lawful channels.
Then a name appeared.
A woman named Olivia Carter.
Thirty-two years old.
Living in Chicago.
Working as an elementary school teacher.
Her adoption records could not be accessed without authorization.
But a voluntary family-reunion registry showed that Olivia had submitted a request to learn about her biological parents.
Adrian stared at the screen.
“She wants to know?”
Thomas nodded.
“She registered three years ago.”
Adrian closed his eyes.
For the first time in decades, he felt hope.
But there was one more complication.
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Olivia Carter had recently been diagnosed with a serious medical condition.
And she was searching for family medical history that might help her doctors understand it.
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