Chapter 10 - The Sabotage
Peace in the Sterling dynasty, however, was never permitted to last.
In mid-autumn, as the leaves across the Berkshire hills burned into brilliant crimson and gold, Dr. Hayes arrived for a scheduled bi-weekly echocardiogram. Emily had spent the morning preparing Noah, who was gaining weight steadily and showing remarkable developmental strides.
Dr. Hayes connected the mobile ultrasound unit, his brow furrowing as he reviewed the baseline reports sent ahead by the laboratory that tested Noah's daily specialized medication.
"Julian, come here for a moment," Dr. Hayes called out, his voice sharp and uncharacteristically grim.
Julian stepped over to the portable console. "What is it, Doctor? Is the valve failing?"
"Look at these compound reports from the pharmacy delivery yesterday," Dr. Hayes said, pointing to a sheet of chemical breakdowns. "Noah’s pediatric beta-blockers... the dosage concentration is nearly forty percent below standard efficacy. The diluent was altered."
Emily gasped, stepping forward. "That’s impossible. I inspect every sealed vial that comes through the courier!"
"It wasn't altered in transit," Dr. Hayes said gravely. "The compounding pharmacy that filled this batch was acquired three weeks ago by an investment firm under the umbrella of Sterling Capital. Marcus’s division."
Julian felt a cold, furious venom surge through his veins. "They are trying to induce a cardiac crisis to prove the home environment is failing."
"If Emily had administered this reduced dose during Noah’s mild fever two days ago, his arrhythmia would have escalated within hours," Dr. Hayes said, visibly shaking with anger. "This isn't corporate maneuvering anymore, Julian. This is criminal reckless endangerment."
Julian stood up straight, his face darkening with a chilling resolve. "Emily, pack Noah’s essentials. Dr. Hayes, I need the signed laboratory analysis and the chain-of-custody documentation immediately."
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"Where are you going, Julian?" Emily asked, fear flickering in her voice.
"I have spent my life playing by the gentleman's rules of the boardroom," Julian said, reaching for his coat. "It’s time to show my brothers what happens when you threaten my son."
