PART 2
Temporary custody consent.
Complete medical authorization.
A petition requesting an emergency psychiatric evaluation.
And their masterpiece—a transfer order that would send me to an exclusive, heavily secured “private wellness facility” three states away.
Every document had been prepared and finalized before my contractions had even started.
“Claire, you’re… you’re confused,” Ryan stammered as he carefully tried to loosen my fingers from his wrist.
But his voice cracked.
“The doctors warned me the medication could make you paranoid.”
A dry, empty laugh escaped my throat.
“Am I confused, Ryan?”
Only two hours earlier, Ryan had conveniently been called downstairs to handle an “urgent business matter.”
That was when Margaret entered my room.
She didn’t knock.
She leaned across the metal railing of my hospital bed until the overwhelming scent of her expensive jasmine perfume filled my lungs.
“You are seriously unstable, Claire,” she whispered.
Her perfectly painted lips twisted into a cruel smile.
“Everyone in this family knows it. The board knows it. Once the baby is delivered, he will return to the estate with us. You will go somewhere peaceful and recover. If you cooperate, we’ll make certain you’re comfortable.”
Then Caleb emerged from the darker corner of the room.
May you like
He placed a stack of documents on my plastic hospital tray.
“Sign voluntarily, Claire,” he said. “If you refuse, we’ll file for emergency guardianship immediately. We have a judge who understands the family’s situation. We’ll testify that you’re a danger to yourself and your unborn child.”
