Chapter 9 - LINDA'S OTHER SECRET
The DNA test excluded Thomas Hale as Ryan's biological father.
Linda had known for years.
She buried it because Thomas's will left the company to "my biological son Ryan."
If the truth surfaced, the ownership chain could be challenged.
Ryan looked at her through the glass.
"Who is my father?"
Bank records answered.
Dr. Martin Cress.
The psychiatrist who had written the false report about me.
Cress and Linda had an affair while Thomas worked overseas.
A private test later confirmed Cress was Ryan's father.
Ryan sat down.
"So he helped her target Sarah because I'm his son?"
Warren shook her head.
"Not just that."
Cress's consulting company had a contract ready to take over employee health services if Ryan lost control of Hale Distribution.
Linda wanted Noah and the trust.
Cress wanted influence and money.
Everyone had a reason.
Except the baby they were using.
Nora filed for emergency sole custody.
Ryan consented.
He also submitted an affidavit.
I should have told Sarah everything before Noah was born. I chose peace with my mother over my wife's right to know the risk.
That sentence did not repair us.
But it was true.
Then the company problem arrived.
Thomas's will had been used to support a twenty-million-dollar loan.
If Ryan was not Thomas's biological son, the lender could challenge the deal.
"I could lose the company," Ryan said.
Instead he whispered, "Then I lose it."
Nora frowned.
"Don't make that decision today."
Ryan looked at me.
"If keeping it requires another family lie, I don't want it."
Before anyone could answer, Warren's phone rang.
She listened.
Her face hardened.
Linda had been taken from jail for a medical evaluation.
The transport van never reached the hospital.
May you like
A forged transfer order had been used.
And Linda was gone.
