Chapter 6 - Bloodline Secrets
Medical personnel rushed into the room as power was restored to the hospital floor. Emergency surgeons wheeled Olivia straight into the operating theater for an immediate C-section.
Margaret stood outside the surgical doors, her tactical vest removed, her knuckles white as she watched through the small glass portal. Hours bled into one another as the surgical team worked frantically to save both mother and child.
At 4:15 AM, the doors swung open. Dr. Thorne walked out, stripping off his surgical mask with a weary smile.
“She made it, Colonel,” Dr. Thorne announced. “And so did your granddaughter. A healthy six-pound baby girl.”
Tears finally welled in Margaret’s eyes—the first emotion she had shown throughout the nightmarish ordeal. She stepped into the recovery room, where Olivia lay pale but smiling, holding a tiny, pink-blanketed bundle in her arms.
“She’s perfect, Mom,” Olivia whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks. “What should we name her?”
“Victoria,” Margaret said softly, stroking the baby’s forehead. “Victory.”
However, the peace was short-lived. Two days later, as Olivia was recovering and preparing for discharge, Agent Miller entered the room with a thick manila folder under his arm. His expression was grave.
“Colonel, we’ve processed all the seized files from Vanguard Tactical’s headquarters and Diane Brooks’ private residence,” Miller said, closing the door behind him. “We found something that wasn't in the original financial audit.”
“What is it?” Margaret asked, sitting beside Olivia’s bed.
Miller pulled out a series of DNA analysis documents and old military intelligence dossiers dating back twenty-five years.
“Ethan Brooks isn't just a dirty officer recruited by Vanguard,” Miller revealed. “His real name is Ethan Vance. He is General Raymond Vance’s biological son from a clandestine affair.”
Olivia gasped, holding Victoria closer to her chest. “What?”
“Diane Brooks was never married to a soldier named Brooks,” Miller continued. “She was General Vance’s operative for decades. Ethan was placed in your path five years ago by design, Olivia. They didn't target you by chance after your mother died. They targeted you because of your father.”
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Margaret’s face turned deathly pale. “What does my late husband have to do with this?”
Miller looked directly into Margaret’s eyes. “Your husband didn't die of a heart attack seven years ago, Colonel. He was assassinated by Vanguard because he discovered their illegal arms network while serving in the Pentagon.”
