Chapter 3 - The Doctor’s Ledger
Helena straightened her posture, forcing a brittle, defensive smile to mask her mounting panic. She adjusted the cuffs of her black top with practiced dignity. “You threaten your own mother over the hysterical ramblings of a servant and a frightened girl? Julian, you have let your work at the firm cloud your judgment. That tonic was prescribed by Dr. Sterling to stabilize Clara’s blood pressure. It tastes bitter, hence her reluctance.”
Julian listened without blinking. He didn't nod, nor did he look away. He walked over to the spot where the glass had shattered, knelt down, and carefully picked up a large shard that still held a dark residue. He pulled a pristine white handkerchief from his suit pocket, wiped a small sample of the liquid onto the fabric, and folded it neatly before sliding it into his breast pocket.
“Dr. Sterling retired six months ago, Mother,” Julian said calmly, rising to his feet. “Furthermore, Dr. Sterling specialized in cardiology, not obstetrics. Why would a heart specialist prescribe a proprietary herbal blend for a pregnant woman behind my back?”
Clara let out a muffled sob from the floor, unable to pull herself up without assistance. Julian immediately knelt back down, sliding his strong arms under her shoulders and lifting her gently back into the upright wheelchair, ignoring the papers beneath them. Clara leaned her head against his shoulder for a fraction of a second, whispering something too quietly for Helena to hear.
Julian’s jaw tightened. He gently set Clara back in place, then turned to face Helena with eyes that burned with cold fury. “You packed Dr. Sterling’s old medical bag into the attic last week. I saw the movers. You don't get rid of a lifetime of medical supplies unless you have something specific you need to concoct without a pharmacy's record.”
“You are paranoid, Julian,” Helena spat back, her voice rising in defensive anger. “You spend all your time buried in corporate mergers and inheritance laws that you see conspiracies in every family remedy! Clara’s bloodline is fragile. We were protecting the family name, and protecting your future inheritance from being diluted by uncertainties.”
“Uncertainties?” Julian took a step toward her. “This child is my flesh and blood. The heir to everything we’ve built. And you tried to poison her.”
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“I did no such thing!” Helena shouted, losing her restraint for a split second before catching herself. She took a deep breath, her eyes darting toward the heavy wooden doors. “If you test that liquid, Julian, you will find nothing illegal. But ask yourself this: do you really want a public scandal when the board votes on your chairmanship next Tuesday?”
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