Chapter 11 - Ryan Finally Faces Emily
Ryan was arrested before Emily left the hospital.
His attorney requested that he be allowed one supervised conversation with her.
Emily almost refused.
Then she agreed.
Not for closure.
For information.
Ryan entered without the confidence he had carried during labor.
He looked smaller.
Ordinary.
That disturbed her.
“How’s Sophie?”
Emily’s face hardened.
“You don’t get to ask me that first.”
He looked down.
“What do you want to know?”
“Why?”
Ryan exhaled.
He had resented Richard for years.
The job.
The money.
The way Carter Biotech remained “Emily’s family company” no matter how much Ryan contributed.
He began taking money because he believed he deserved it.
Then the theft grew.
Vanessa helped hide it.
Madison became a useful cover.
Emily whispered, “And me?”
Ryan looked at her.
“You were going to find out.”
“So you decided to make me look unstable.”
“I needed time.”
“You tried to take my child.”
“I was never going to hurt Sophie.”
“That isn’t what I said.”
Ryan closed his eyes.
Emily continued.
“You tried to take away my credibility before I could accuse you.”
He said nothing.
That was the closest thing to a confession she needed.
Then she asked about the passport.
Ryan claimed it was Vanessa’s idea.
Emily did not know whether to believe him.
It no longer mattered.
Investigators would decide.
Ryan looked at her.
“Do you hate me?”
Emily thought about it.
“No.”
He seemed surprised.
“I don’t trust you.”
That was worse.
She looked toward the door.
“We’re done.”
Ryan stood.
“Emily.”
May you like
She did not answer.
The guard escorted him away.
