Chapter 2
Three hours later, the private wing of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center was locked down under tight security.
Inside the quiet room, the steady, rhythmic sound of the fetal monitor echoed softly against the walls. A strong, healthy heartbeat filled the air.
Olivia lay on the bed, wrapped in a warm blanket, her face pale but her breathing steady. Her hand remained rested firmly over her belly.
Alexander stood by the floor-to-ceiling glass window, listening to the monitor. He had changed out of his soaked suit into a charcoal shirt, but his hands were still cold.
The door clicked open gently. Emma slipped into the room, holding a small paper cup of warm water. She walked over to the bed and carefully handed it to her mother.
"Is the baby okay, Mom?" Emma whispered, her eyes wide with lingering fear.
Olivia offered a soft, reassuring smile, brushing a stray lock of hair from her daughter's forehead. "The baby is safe, sweetheart. Thanks to your dad. And thanks to you for being so brave."
Emma hugged her mother tightly. Alexander walked over, placing a large, warm hand over both of them. For a long moment, nobody spoke. The relief in the room was palpable, but beneath it lay a quiet, burning resolve.
Alexander’s phone vibrated on the bedside table. He picked it up and stepped out into the hallway.
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Standing outside was Marcus Vance, his Chief Legal Officer, along with two senior investigators. Marcus handed Alexander a black leather folder.
"The doctor’s report is signed," Marcus said, his voice clipped and precise. "Physical shock, prolonged submersion, and acute emotional distress. Because Olivia is high-risk, the medical team classified this as a direct threat to the pregnancy."
