Chapter 11 - The Pediatrician’s Diagnosis
Inside, the carriage house was warm, an open brick fireplace roaring with dry birch logs. The doctor, an elegant woman named Dr. Helen Choi, immediately cleared the kitchen table, spreading sterile towels across the mahogany surface.
Maya watched like a hawk, hovering inches away as Dr. Choi examined the tiny boy with gentle, practiced hands. Julian stood back, his heart pounding against his ribs, while Clara remained by the fireplace, watching Julian with an unreadable expression.
"Bilateral lung congestion," Dr. Choi announced after several tense minutes. "His temperature is 103. If you had waited another two hours, he would have slipped into respiratory failure."
She administered an injection of antibiotics and carefully fed the baby oral electrolytes through an eyedropper. Slowly, Leo’s shivering subsided, his breathing easing into a steady, rhythmic pattern.
"He's stable," Dr. Choi sighed, packing her instruments. "He needs warmth, rest, and antibiotics every six hours. I’ll leave the medication with you." She turned to Clara, nodded respectfully, and slipped out into the storm.
Silence filled the room. Julian looked at Clara. "Thank you."
Clara crossed her arms, walking toward the table. She looked down at Leo’s sleeping face. Her expression softened, grief washing over her features. "He looks exactly like you. The photo of you in the nursery... it’s identical."
"Clara, I never meant to drag you into this hell," Julian whispered.
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"My father just signed an emergency warrant for your arrest," Clara replied quietly, looking up into Julian’s eyes. "Arthur told the police you murdered two security guards and kidnapped a teenage girl. He’s taking control of the entire estate tonight."
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