Chapter 11
The secure maternity wing at NYU Langone Hospital was completely locked down by private armed guards and federal protective agents. Sarah lay in the pristine hospital bed, breathing naturally and steadily through the intense waves of physical labor.
Her heart monitor beeped in a steady, reassuring rhythm, a stark contrast to the absolute chaos unfolding in the federal courthouse downtown. News of her hospital admittance leaked to the press, causing a massive swarm of paparazzi to gather outside the hospital barricades.
Back in his holding cell, Richard saw the breaking news alert scroll across the small communal television screen. A sudden, desperate wave of possessive panic washed over him, realizing his heir was being born while he rotted in a cage.
He bribed a corrupt corrections officer with promises of hidden offshore crypto-wallets to smuggle a burner phone into his cell. "I need an emergency injunction filed to demand immediate custody rights over my newborn child," Richard hissed to his panicked lawyer.
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"You are facing life in federal prison, Richard; no family court judge in America will grant you custody rights," his lawyer replied bluntly. "File the motion anyway! I will not let her erase my bloodline from that corporate empire!" Richard screamed into the phone.
He smashed the burner phone against the concrete wall, his rapid body movements reflecting a man who had completely lost his mind. His arrogant dismissal had fully mutated into unhinged, violent obsession, but he was utterly powerless to reach her.
