Chapter 5 - THE FROZEN EMBRYOS
Six years earlier, Arthur and Madeline had undergone fertility preservation after Arthur received treatment that might affect future fertility.
They created five embryos.
The clinic contract required both signatures for use.
After Madeline disappeared, Arthur instructed the clinic to preserve them until he decided what to do.
A year later, he received notice that Madeline had requested destruction.
He signed confirmation.
The signature on the destruction form was not Madeline’s.
The embryos were never destroyed.
Eleanor transferred them to a private clinic through Prescott Biotech, a company connected to Collins Foundation healthcare investments.
Three embryos were later implanted into Madeline without Arthur’s knowledge.
Why would Madeline agree?
She did not know Eleanor arranged it.
After losing the first triplets and surviving years of threats, Madeline contacted a fertility attorney who said a trust existed to cover treatment.
The trust carried Arthur’s name.
She believed he had created it secretly out of guilt.
The private clinic showed her consent forms bearing Arthur’s signature.
Forged.
Madeline chose implantation believing Arthur had at least allowed use.
The babies were biologically theirs.
Legally buried beneath fraud.
Arthur asked, “Why didn’t you tell me before the transfer?”
“I thought you knew.”
“Why didn’t you call?”
“I was still under the protective order.”
“Why come to New York after the birth?”
“Because Lily needed a cardiac specialist only Collins Memorial had.”
Arthur looked toward the bassinets.
May you like
His family empire had created the problem, hidden the children, then become the only place capable of treating one.
Eleanor’s control had closed the circle.
