Chapter 4
Beatrice's attorney called the situation a misunderstanding.
The reserve, he explained, had always been designed to help family members during medical emergencies.
Elara was postpartum.
Luca was newborn.
Beatrice believed centralized administration would reduce stress.
Sabina had simply been trying to complete a pending transaction.
Rebecca asked whether the attorney was defending Sabina's physical assault.
“No.”
“Or Beatrice's attempt to leave the suite with Luca?”
“No.”
“Then let's discuss the financial records without pretending those actions were normal.”
The attorney became more careful.
He admitted that Beatrice had instructed Sabina to complete the post-birth update quickly.
He denied any intention to deprive Elara of her rights.
Martin continued tracing payments.
Meridian Family Services had received steadily increasing fees from the reserve.
Three years earlier:
$74,000.
Two years earlier:
$119,000.
Last year:
$286,000.
The increase was attributed to expanded beneficiary services.
Some services existed.
Meridian paid medical invoices.
Coordinated travel.
Managed reimbursements.
But several invoices contained vague descriptions.
Household stabilization.
Dependent transition support.
Family continuity administration.
The phrases repeated across unrelated beneficiaries.
Martin requested the supporting files.
Meridian delayed.
Meanwhile, Damien spoke with Elara's obstetrician.
The doctor confirmed that Elara was recovering normally but needed rest, predictable support, and freedom from unnecessary stress.
Elara had been awake for much of the previous night.
She kept checking Luca's bassinet.
Damien sat beside her.
“I should've known they were doing this.”
Elara looked at him.
“You should've known your mother and sister were willing to hurt me?”
“No.”
“Then say what you mean.”
He took a moment.
“I should've known the reserve wasn't being managed properly.”
“Yes.”
“I should've read the documents.”
“Yes.”
“And I should've listened when you said my mother was getting too involved.”
Elara looked down at Luca.
“You kept telling me she was trying to help.”
“I know.”
“She called my doctor twice without asking me.”
“I know.”
“She wanted to choose Luca's nursery staff.”
“I know.”
“She brought me paperwork before I'd even slept.”
Damien nodded.
Elara's voice tightened.
“And when I said no, everyone acted like I was being difficult.”
He had no defense.
Outside the hospital, Beatrice told relatives that Elara was overwhelmed and misunderstanding routine family assistance.
Damien heard about it within an hour.
He sent one message through counsel.
Stop discussing Elara's medical condition with family members.
Beatrice replied:
I am your mother. I am trying to keep this family together.
Damien read it.
Then turned his phone facedown.
May you like
For the first time, he wondered what his mother meant by keeping the family together.
And why she believed Elara's independence threatened it.
