CHAPTER 4 THE DETECTIVE ASKED ONE QUESTION... AND MY MOTHER FINALLY STOPPED SMILING
The penthouse, once known for hosting Manhattan's wealthiest guests, had become an active crime scene.
Uniformed officers photographed the bleach bottle.
Evidence technicians carefully collected the sponge Audrey had been forced to use.
Victoria Whitmore sat perfectly straight on the sofa.
Even now, she looked more offended than frightened.
"My attorney will have every one of you removed," she said coolly.
Detective Eleanor Harris didn't answer.
Instead, she walked over to Audrey.
"Mrs. Whitmore, has anything like this happened before?"
Audrey hesitated.
I squeezed her hand.
"You don't have to protect anyone anymore."
Her eyes filled with tears.
"It started after we announced the pregnancy."
The detective nodded.
"Tell me everything."
For nearly an hour, Audrey spoke.
The comments about her "unworthy blood."
The vitamins Marissa insisted she take even after Audrey's obstetrician told her to stop.
The appointments mysteriously canceled.
The constant reminders that "Whitmore heirs must come from strong women."
Each story made my stomach twist tighter.
Then Detective Harris asked a single question.
"Mrs. Whitmore... do you still have the prenatal vitamins Marissa gave you?"
Audrey looked toward the kitchen.
"I kept one bottle."
The detective immediately handed it to a forensic technician.
Victoria finally shifted in her seat.
It was the first crack in her composure.
"That's unnecessary."
The technician sealed the bottle inside an evidence bag.
"No," Detective Harris replied quietly.
"I think it's absolutely necessary."
Hours later, my phone rang.
The preliminary laboratory screening had found something no expectant mother should ever have been taking.
The vitamins had been tampered with.
Someone had substituted several capsules with medication capable of increasing the risk of serious pregnancy complications if taken repeatedly.
The room fell silent.
I slowly turned toward Marissa.
She burst into tears before anyone asked a single question.
"I didn't know she'd replace them," she sobbed.
"I thought it was only supposed to scare her."
Every eye in the room shifted toward Victoria.
She said nothing.
May you like
For the first time in my life...
My mother had no explanation.
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