CHAPTER 4
The realization hit me like a physical blow, sending a sudden spike of ice-cold adrenaline surging through my fragile, post-surgery body.
I had known Derek was cruel, and I had known Gloria was heartless, but I had never guessed how deep their greed truly ran.
"A half-million-dollar supplemental policy," Detective Miller stated, looking down at Derek with absolute disgust visible in his eyes. "With a specific double-indemnity rider covering accidental death or catastrophic injury occurring on domestic residential property."
"No... no, that was for her protection!" Derek stammered, his cheeks completely drained of color as he looked frantically toward his mother for support. "Gloria, tell him! Tell him we set that up to make sure the girls were taken care of!"
Gloria couldn't speak; her jaw worked silently like a fish out of water, her entire body shaking as she realized her own words were preserved forever on digital tape.
"You didn't just abuse your wife, Mr. Carter," Detective Miller declared firmly, signing an official custody transport form on his clipboard. "You conspired with your mother to commit premeditated murder for financial gain, resulting in the tragic death of an unborn child."
The two deputies hauled Derek out into the hallway, his boots dragging uselessly along the shiny floor as he wept in loud, pathetic gasps.
Gloria was escorted right behind him, her designer handbag falling to the floor, spilling its contents across the corridor as the hospital staff watched in complete awe.
May you like
Nurse Sarah walked over to my bed, sliding her arms gently around my shoulders as I let out a long, shuddering breath I felt like I had been holding for five long years.
"They're gone, Hannah," Sarah whispered into my hair, holding me tight as tears soaked into my hospital gown. "They are never going to hurt you or your sweet little girls ever again."
