Chapter 4 - The Secret in the Coat
The revelation shifted something fundamental inside Ethan. He wasn't just protecting a stranger’s children anymore; he was protecting his own blood.
Within fifteen minutes, Ethan’s legal team descended on the hospital like a pack of wolves in designer suits. Harvey, Ethan’s ruthless head lawyer, cornered Richard and the hospital administrators, burying them in emergency restraining orders and threats of multi-million dollar lawsuits if Richard was allowed anywhere near the children.
Defeated and furious, Richard was forced to leave the premises, but not before shooting Ethan a look of pure, venomous hatred. "This isn't over, Cole. You don't know what you're stepping into."
With the immediate threat gone, Ethan arranged for Maya and Lily to be moved to the VIP pediatric suite on the top floor—a wing Ethan’s company coincidentally funded. Security guards were stationed at the elevators and the room door.
Inside the quiet, softly lit suite, Lily was sleeping in a high-tech crib, hooked up to an IV but breathing easier. The fever was breaking. Maya sat on the edge of a massive, comfortable leather sofa, draped in a warm fleece blanket, drinking hot cocoa.
Ethan sat on the coffee table across from her. He felt completely out of his depth. He could negotiate billion-dollar mergers without breaking a sweat, but sitting in front of his seven-year-old daughter left him terrified.
“Maya,” Ethan started softly. “The doctor said Lily will be okay. She just needs rest.”
Maya nodded, her small fingers gripping the mug. Then, she set the mug down and unzipped the muddy, soaking wet hoodie the nurses had placed in a plastic bag nearby. She reached into a hidden tear in the lining and pulled out a small, waterproof pouch.
“Mama told me to give this to you if she didn't wake up,” Maya said, handing it over. “She said Richard was looking for it. She said it’s why he hurt her.”
Ethan took the pouch. Inside was a USB flash drive and a handwritten letter. Ethan unfolded the paper. The handwriting was unmistakably Sarah’s.
May you like
“My dearest Ethan. If you are reading this, I am gone, and I am so deeply sorry. Eight years ago, I didn't leave because I didn't love you. I left because your father threatened to ruin my family if I didn't walk away. I found out I was pregnant the day after I left. I raised Maya in secret, and later, Lily. But Richard... Richard is not who he seems. He is an operative for your rival company, Vanguard Corp. He married me to get access to my old files on your company’s patents. When I found out, he realized I was going to expose him. He’s trying to get custody of the girls to extort you. Protect them, Ethan. They are yours. Both of them. I have loved you every single day.”
A tear slipped down Ethan’s cheek, landing on the paper. The grief of losing Sarah was crushing, but the rage building inside him toward Richard was nuclear.
