Chapter 13: The Birth of Grace
Chapter 13: The Birth of Grace
Olivia officially filed the separation papers two weeks later, using the most ruthless family lawyer her father could find.
The baby came early.
It wasn't dangerously early, but early enough that Olivia firmly believed her daughter was simply impatient, eager to enter a much quieter, safer world.
After fourteen exhausting hours of labor, she arrived.
Olivia named her Grace.
When Grace let out her first, piercing cry in the bright delivery room, Olivia laughed and sobbed simultaneously, pulling the warm, slippery weight of her child onto her chest.
Her daughter was finally real.
She wasn't a dark accusation. She wasn't a bargaining chip for a billion-dollar trust fund. She wasn't a disputed medical test result.
She was a whole, perfect, breathing person.
Jason was notified by Olivia's legal counsel an hour after the birth.
He arrived at the hospital lobby flanked by two aggressive, high-priced lawyers, demanding access to the maternity ward.
Margaret Bennett met him in the hallway, physically blocking his path to the elevators.
“Move, Mom,” Jason sneered. “That’s my kid.”
Margaret’s face was hardened with a new, terrifying, and fiercely protective resolve.
“You will not turn this innocent child into another weapon, Jason. You will not pass your poison to her.”
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Jason looked genuinely shocked. “You’re keeping me from my own daughter?”
“No,” Margaret said coldly. “I am keeping my granddaughter safe from the monster I helped create.”
