Chapter 3 - The Confrontation
"You're not going in there," Ethan said, his voice dropping an octave into a tone he reserved for hostile takeovers.
Derek Voss stopped, his eyes narrowing. "And who the hell are you? The hospital benefactor? Get out of my way. That’s my daughter."
"That's a child who is currently recovering from your neglect," Ethan stepped forward, his height and presence forcing Derek back. "Sadie is under my care now. And Emma is being protected by the state. You have no legal standing, Derek. We know about the trust funds. We know about the shell company."
Derek’s face paled, then flushed a mottled red. "You don't know what you're talking about. I’m her father. I have rights."
"You have rights to nothing but a courtroom," Ethan said, pulling out his phone and activating the recording app. "And by the time you get there, the evidence of your theft and your harassment will be in the hands of the district attorney. Claire recorded everything. She wasn't just a clerk; she was the architect of your downfall."
Derek lunged, but security was already there. Two guards grabbed him, and the commotion brought the floor nurse, Denise, to the doorway.
"Mr. Voss," Denise said, her voice dripping with professional coldness. "You are banned from this facility. If you do not leave, I will call the police."
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Derek glared at Ethan, his lip curling. "You think you can play hero, Cole? You're a suit-and-tie coward who hides behind lawyers. Keep the kids. You’ll find out soon enough that they're a curse, not a prize."
He turned and stalked out, but the look in his eyes promised a storm far worse than the one that had hit St. Louis the night before.
