Chapter 6 - A Mother’s Vigil
The officer released Julian’s arm out of basic human decency. Amy and Julian rushed to Dr. Keller, ignoring Harrison Cole completely.
""How is he? Doctor, please,"" Amy pleaded, her hands clasped tightly against her chest.
""We managed to bring the fever down to 101 with an intravenous cooling protocol and antibiotics,"" Dr. Keller said, his voice calm and reassuring. ""He has an acute ear and throat infection that spiked rapidly. If you had arrived thirty minutes later, he likely would have suffered febrile seizures. He is stable now and sleeping in pediatric ICU.""
Amy let out a sob of relief, burying her face into Julian’s chest. Julian held her tightly, kissing the crown of her head while glaring at Harrison Cole, who was taking notes in the corner.
""He stays here under medical observation for the next forty-eight hours,"" the doctor added. ""Only direct legal guardians are permitted inside.""
""Doctor,"" Cole interrupted, raising his pen. ""I represent Eleanor Vance, who has initiated a custody claim. We request that hospital security hold the discharge until—""
""Mr. Cole,"" Dr. Keller cut him off with cold authority. ""This is an intensive care unit, not a courtroom. The parents are the sole legal guardians until a judge rules otherwise. Leave this floor immediately before I call hospital security to escort you out.""
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Cole smirked thinly, snapping his leather binder shut. ""Enjoy the night, Julian. Court convenes at nine tomorrow morning. You won't have a penny left to fight her.""
As Cole walked away, Julian reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. The notification on his screen confirmed it: his family trust funds, executive credit lines, and company access had just been completely frozen.
