Chapter 18 - MARGARET PRESCOTT
Margaret took the stand.
She described philanthropy.
Hospitals.
Jobs.
Families helped.
She called Floor Nine a discreet care program.
Said wealthy people needed privacy.
Said Emily was ill.
Said Sarah Bell died from an unforeseeable complication.
The prosecutor asked:
“Why did every patient’s family gain money or control?”
Margaret called it coincidence.
“Why did Dr. Price use identical language?”
Clinical standards.
“Why did Sheriff Miller transport patients without independent review?”
Emergency necessity.
“Why did you order Emily moved before federal agents entered?”
Safety.
Every act became care.
Then the prosecutor played Margaret’s own recording.
“Once the hold is signed, your mother can’t reach you.”
Margaret said it referred to medical boundaries.
Another:
“The military mother makes this one dangerous.”
She said Victoria’s influence complicated treatment.
Then Daniel’s recording.
“If you destroy this company, you destroy every family attached to it.”
Margaret remained calm.
The prosecutor stepped closer.
“You believed institutions deserved survival more than people.”
Margaret answered:
“Institutions protect people.”
The prosecutor looked toward Emily.
May you like
“Who protected her from yours?”
Margaret had no answer.
