Chapter 17 - Vanessa’s Real Motive
Vanessa pointed the pistol at Sophie.
“Place the seal on the scanner.”
Emily did not move.
“You do not want the hospital.”
Vanessa smiled.
“Everyone wants the hospital.”
“No.”
“Preston wanted the money.”
“Lawrence wanted control.”
“Victor wanted recognition.”
“Jonathan wanted revenge.”
“You wanted me.”
For the first time, Vanessa looked surprised.
Emily had reviewed her company records.
Cross Genetic Solutions was created one month after Emily married Preston.
Vanessa had been watching her for years.
Her mother, Caroline Cross, had worked as Elizabeth Saint Claire’s personal assistant.
After Elizabeth died, Caroline tried to expose Robert and Lawrence.
She disappeared before giving a statement.
Vanessa believed the Saint Claire family abandoned her mother.
She entered Preston’s life to reach Emily.
At first, she wanted evidence.
Then she discovered how easily Preston could be manipulated.
She decided to take everything Emily had.
Her husband.
Her family name.
Her child’s trust.
Her place inside the hospital.
“You thought becoming me would avenge your mother,” Emily said.
Vanessa’s hand tightened around the gun.
“You inherited everything.”
“I inherited lies.”
“You had Raymond.”
“You had protection.”
“My mother had no one.”
“Then why did you become the kind of person who destroyed her?”
Vanessa’s face twisted.
“She died because your family stayed silent.”
Emily stepped closer.
“My uncle hid the truth.”
“My father sold us.”
“My husband betrayed me.”
“I am not defending any of them.”
“But Sophie did nothing.”
“My baby did nothing.”
“I did not kick your mother.”
Vanessa glanced toward the scanner.
“Use the seal.”
Emily placed the duplicate device against it.
The system flashed red.
INVALID AUTHENTICATION.
Vanessa realized it was fake.
She raised the gun.
Hannah threw herself toward Sophie.
The shot struck the surgical light.
Darkness filled the clinic.
Raymond’s security team entered through the rear tunnel.
Vanessa ran into the basement.
Emily followed before anyone could stop her.
At the bottom of the stairs, she found Vanessa standing beside a refrigerated vault.
Inside were dozens of blood samples.
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One label carried Elizabeth Saint Claire’s name.
Another carried Caroline Cross’s.
