Chapter 9 - The Question Daniel Couldn’t Answer
Daniel tried to see me that evening.
I refused.
He waited until the next morning and sent a message asking for ten minutes.
I agreed only because my father and attorney were both present.
Daniel walked into the private consultation room looking like he hadn’t slept. Gray suit wrinkled. Eyes bloodshot. Face tight with anger he was trying to pass off as regret.
The first thing he said was, “Vanessa didn’t put that note in your file for me.”
Not I’m sorry.
Not Are you okay?
Just a defense.
I looked at him for a long time before speaking.
“You knew she was there with my admissions paperwork.”
“She grabbed the folder, Emily. I didn’t tell her to.”
“You brought your mistress into my maternity appointment.”
He flinched.
“She’s not—”
“Don’t insult me.”
He looked away, then back at me. “I thought you were going to make things worse.”
That almost made me laugh.
Instead I asked the question that changed everything.
“How did Vanessa know the private phrase on my file?”
Daniel’s face went blank.
He didn’t answer.
The private phrase was something only I, Daniel, and the admissions team knew. My father had insisted on it after my previous complications. Anyone asking for information on my case had to give it.
Vanessa had used it that morning.
The nurse had confirmed it.
I repeated myself.
“How did she know the phrase?”
Daniel swallowed.
“I told her.”
The room went silent.
My father leaned back slowly, like even he had expected Daniel to lie longer.
I stared at my husband.
“You gave your mistress access to my maternity records.”
He ran a hand over his face. “I didn’t know she’d do this.”
“But you opened the door.”
May you like
He said nothing.
And that was the answer that mattered.
