Three Traitors, One Cell

When we arrived at the nearest hospital, the ambulance was stopped at the gate.

"Sorry, we're not accepting patients today," the security guard said.

The doctor's expression grew tense. "The patient in the back is pregnant and suffering from severe hemorrhage. If we don't get her inside now, the baby won't survive! What kind of hospital refuses to treat someone in critical condition?"

Still, the guard refused to budge.

"Sorry, but this is Joplin Group's private hospital. Mr. Joplin's child has just been admitted with a medical emergency. He's made it clear that no other patients are to be accepted. There's nothing we can do."

My face drained of color, and pain surged through my head. Despite it all, I gritted my teeth and spoke to the guard.

"My name is Louise Joplin, the rightful heiress of the Joplin family. Let us through!"

The guard shifted uneasily, hesitation written all over his face. "I'm sorry, miss. Unless Mr. Joplin gives his approval, I can't let anyone in. Please don't force our hand."

Clutching my abdomen, I pulled out my phone and dialed Peter's number.

Just as the call was about to disconnect automatically, someone finally picked up.

"Peter, I'm outside the hospital and badly hurt. Please tell security to let me in. If I don't get inside soon, my baby won't survive!"

Before I could say more, Will's mocking voice came through the line.

"Louise, stop making such a fuss. It's just a water bottle that hit your arm. A little ointment from the pharmacy will fix it.

"Why are you making up stories about being pregnant now? I know your body better than anyone. You've had trouble conceiving in the past. It's impossible that you're expecting now.

"Finn was terrified when you lunged at him earlier. He's being tested as we speak. When he's well, we'll get back to you."

With that, Will ended the call.

I stared at the blank screen, my heart heavy with sorrow. I tried calling again, but the line went unanswered.

The guard hurried us along without hesitation. "Mr. Joplin has made his instructions clear. There's nothing I can do here. You'll have to go to a different hospital."

The nearest one was almost half an hour away.

Somewhere along the way, the world faded to black as I lost consciousness.

When I came to, I found myself lying in a bed, an IV drip connected to my arm.

The medical chart next to me delivered the harsh truth—I suffered a miscarriage.

Without a moment's notice, the door to the ward burst open. I glanced over and saw Linda Hernandez, my grandmother's caregiver.

My chest tightened. Before I could utter a word, tears spilled down her face. "Ms. Joplin, I'm so sorry... Ms. Hilliker has passed away."

My heart plunged into a dark, bottomless void.

How could this be?

Just then, Linda handed me a small gift box.

"This morning, Ms. Hilliker saw the news and collapsed from anger. Despite the doctors' efforts, she didn't make it.

"Before they took her to the operating room, she held my hand tightly and kept pointing at this box. I knew she wanted me to give it to you.

"I called you repeatedly, but no one answered. When someone finally picked up and told me you were at the hospital, I came as quickly as I could."

Seeing the gift box beside me, my hands began to tremble. I couldn't bring myself to open it.

…

By the next day, I was discharged from the hospital.

I was left alone to handle my grandmother's funeral arrangements. Peter's phone went unanswered, and Will was nowhere to be found.

After the final visitors from the nursing home left, I found myself alone beside my grandmother's portrait. I carefully opened the gift box she so lovingly prepared for me.

Inside was a delicate handkerchief, every stitch embroidered with her affection.

As I held it in my hands, the tears finally came.

At the bottom of the box, I found a slip of paper with a series of numbers.

The number didn't ring any bells, but since my grandmother had left it there, it had to mean something important.

Curious, I decided to make the call.

Almost immediately, someone picked up.

"Who's been bothering you?" asked the voice over the line.