Chapter 6 - The Lie Exposed
Ethan stared at the folder. The logo of Chicago General Hospital was stamped on the corner.
“Clara, let me explain—”
“Read it,” she demanded, tears spilling over her lashes.
Ethan opened the file. It was his real chart.
Patient: Ethan Hale. Diagnosis: Mild concussion, superficial lacerations. Spinal cord: Intact. Motor function: 100%.
Clara took a step back, wrapping her arms around herself as if she were freezing. “You’ve been perfectly healthy this whole time. I bathed you. I fed you. I left my son alone in a strange house to sit by your bed because I thought you were suffering!”
“It was a test!” Ethan yelled, desperate. “Vanessa only loved my money. Daniel told me to fake the paralysis to see if she would stay. I didn’t know Daniel was conspiring with her to steal the company!”
“A test?” Clara’s laugh was hollow and bitter. “You played God with people’s lives to test a woman you already knew didn't love you?”
“Clara, please. You’re the only real thing in this house. You’re the only person who actually cared.”
“I was doing my job,” she sobbed. “But I… I actually started to care about you. Toby looks up to you. And this entire time, you were watching us like we were rats in a maze.”
“That’s not true!”
Before Ethan could say another word, the bedroom door swung wide open.
Vanessa stood in the doorway, flanked by two men in dark suits. Security guards.
“What’s all the yelling?” Vanessa asked, her eyes darting between Ethan and Clara. She noticed the open medical file on Ethan's lap.
Vanessa’s smile slowly spread. It was terrifying.
“Oh, Ethan,” Vanessa mocked. “Did you really think Daniel wouldn’t tell me about your little charade? I’ve known you were faking since the day I came back from the city.”
Ethan froze.
“That’s right,” Vanessa purred. “Daniel told me everything. That’s why we moved the timeline up. We just let you sit in that chair, playing the victim, while we legally dismantled your life. The board finalized the vote ten minutes ago.”
May you like
Vanessa looked at the security guards.
“Remove the nurse and her brat from my property.”
