Chapter 5 - The Fall of a Titan
Julian gestured to Thomas Cole, who stood near the AV booth.
The screen changed again.
This time, it was a list of names. Dozens of them. All of them were former nurses, residents, and female interns who had worked under Hemlock over the past ten years. Beside each name was a dollar amount—settlement figures paid out from the Hemlock Foundation’s offshore accounts.
Beside the figures were scanned copies of non-disclosure agreements, accompanied by private investigator reports commissioned by Hemlock to blackmail the victims into silence.
“Over twelve million dollars in quiet payoffs,” Julian announced, his voice cold and unwavering. “Blackmail, harassment, physical assault, and medical malpractice. You didn’t just abuse your staff, Arthur. You covered up three surgical deaths by blaming the attending nurses and threatening their families.”
The room was in absolute chaos. Reporters began snapping photos rapidly, the flashes illuminating Hemlock’s pale, terrified face.
“You can’t do this!” Hemlock screamed, looking desperately at the board members in the crowd. “Richard! Harold! Help me! I built this hospital’s reputation!”
The board members turned their backs on him, staring at their shoes.
“The board cannot help you, Arthur,” Julian said, stepping forward, his cane making a sharp, final click against the marble floor. “As the majority shareholder of Mercy Harbor, my first act of business this morning was to fire you. Your medical license is currently being suspended by the state board, who received a comprehensive package of your financial and criminal records an hour ago.”
Two men in dark suits—not Julian’s men, but federal agents—stepped out from the crowd.
“Dr. Arthur Hemlock?” one of the agents said, producing a warrant. “You are under arrest for corporate fraud, medical malpractice leading to wrongful death, and multiple counts of felony assault.”
As the cold steel of the handcuffs clicked around Hemlock’s wrists, he looked at Clara. His eyes were wide with a pathetic, desperate terror.
“Clara, please!” Hemlock begged, his voice cracking as he was dragged backward. “Tell them! Tell them I’m a good doctor! I saved lives! Clara!”
Clara stood tall, her hand resting gently on Julian’s arm. She looked at the man who had terrorized her, who had threatened her mother, who had made her feel worthless.
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“You didn’t save lives, Arthur,” Clara said, her voice clear and strong. “You just took the credit. And now, you’re going to pay the bill.”
The crowd erupted into murmurs and applause as Hemlock was dragged out of the grand ballroom, his silver hair disheveled, his legacy ruined forever.
