Chapter 16 - Vivienne’s Choice
Vivienne’s attorney denied Celeste’s claims.
Then investigators found the text.
Vivienne to Celeste.
HENRY IS AGITATED.
MELISSA HAS THE MEDICATION.
IF HE SLEEPS THROUGH THE NIGHT, WE CAN HANDLE THE BOARD TOMORROW.
Celeste replied.
DOSE MAY BE TOO STRONG WITH HIS CURRENT CONDITION.
Vivienne answered.
THEN USE HALF.
Another message ten minutes later.
ADRIAN SAYS FULL DOSE.
WE CANNOT HAVE HENRY CALLING DIRECTORS TONIGHT.
That ended the argument about ignorance.
Vivienne knew there was a risk.
She chose control anyway.
The prosecutor did not call Henry’s death intentional murder.
The medical evidence could not prove they expected him to die.
But it supported reckless administration of medication, obstruction, and deliberate delay in care.
Adrian was charged too.
His bail was revoked.
For the first time since the gala, I slept more than four hours.
The criminal case grew.
So did the custody case.
Adrian’s attorneys argued I was poisoning Nora against him.
Nora was seven months old.
She could barely say “Mama.”
Still, they used the phrase.
Rachel dismantled it.
Medical records.
Videos.
Witnesses.
The gala.
Sofia.
My seventy-three recordings.
Then the judge asked me one question.
“Mrs. Vale, do you want your daughter to have a relationship with her father in the future?”
I thought carefully.
“Yes.”
Adrian looked surprised.
I continued.
“If qualified professionals determine it can be safe.”
“I do not want Nora taught that love requires accepting fear.”
The judge nodded.
Supervised contact only.
Adrian’s face hardened.
Later, Julian asked why I said yes.
“Because I meant it.”
“You would let him see her?”
“If he changes.”
“Do you think he will?”
I looked toward Nora.
“No.”
“But I won’t build my decisions around revenge.”
May you like
That belonged to Adrian.
Not me.
