Chapter 6 - AMELIA'S OFFER
The arrival of two Child Protective Services officers alongside the police felt like a bucket of ice water dumped over the already suffocating emergency room. The temporary custody revocation order issued by the Family Court under Eleanor's name was not merely a legal strike—it was a ruthless dagger plunged straight into Grace’s heart.
"No! None of you are touching my children!" Grace screamed in utter desperation. She wrapped her arms tightly around Leo and Maya, her back pressed hard against Chloe’s hospital bed.
A CPS officer stepped forward, his tone cold and detached. "Ms. Miller, we are simply executing a court order. Your current financial and legal status cannot guarantee coverage for Chloe’s expensive medical bills. If you resist, we will be forced to use coercive measures."
"Who said she can't afford it?"
I stepped forward, placing myself directly between the CPS officers and Grace. Standing tall, my gaze locked sharply onto the two officials like a blade.
"I am Ryan Brooks, Chairman of the Brooks Group, and the biological father of these three children," I said through gritted teeth. I pulled out the DNA report I had received at dawn and slammed it against the police officer’s chest. "Every medical expense, every top-tier care facility in the world for these children will be fully covered by me. Anyone who tries to touch my children tonight better be prepared to face the top legal team in Illinois."
The two CPS officers froze. A man as powerful as Ryan Brooks stepping in to acknowledge paternity and threatening direct legal action created a massive loophole in Eleanor’s claim. The police officer looked at the DNA report, sighed, and whispered to the CPS representative, "This involves a complex dispute from the biological father. We need to stay execution and verify with the court."
As the officers withdrew down the hallway, Grace was still shaking uncontrollably. Yet she didn't look at me with gratitude. The hatred and suspicion in her eyes remained undiminished.
"Do you think money and power can buy back the last three years, Ryan?" Grace whispered, her voice rasping. "Your mother tries to steal my children, and you play the hero. You Brooks family members are all the same."
"Grace, let me explain..."
Before I could finish, footsteps echoed down the corridor. It wasn't the police; it was Amelia. She had returned, but this time without her previous fury. A calculating, subtle smile rested on my former fiancée's lips.
"I thought you left, Amelia," I said coldly.
Amelia signaled her bodyguard to wait outside, then strolled casually into the room. She cast a pitying glance at Grace before turning back to me. "Ryan, let’s talk like adults. I know you’re angry, but remember: the $2 billion Westside Development Project depends entirely on capital from my family’s bank. If I pull our funding, the Brooks Group will face a restructuring crisis within the week."
"Are you threatening me?" I narrowed my eyes.
"No, I'm offering a solution," Amelia lowered her voice, stepping close so Grace could hear every word. "I can convince my uncle—Head of the Board at the National Health Bank—to move Chloe to the #1 priority spot for a compatible donor marrow within 48 hours. No waiting, no risky marrow extractions from Leo or Maya."
I caught my breath. A #1 priority slot on the national donor list was something even money couldn't always buy immediately. Chloe’s chance of survival was resting right in Amelia’s hands.
"In exchange for what?" I asked, my heart tightening with a dreadful premonition.
Amelia smiled, a cruel spark glinting in her eyes. "In exchange, you publicly apologize to me on the news today and complete our wedding next month. As for the three children... after Chloe is cured, you must send all three to an elite boarding school in Switzerland. They will be fully provided for, but Ms. Miller here must sign a agreement never to appear before the press or contact them again."
"You're a monster!" Grace screamed in rage, trying to lunge at Amelia, but I held her back.
I looked at Amelia, the woman I had once assumed would be the perfect partner for my future. Beneath that elegant facade lay a terrifyingly cold heart.
Reaching into my inner jacket pocket, I pulled out the blue velvet box containing the multi-carat diamond ring—the one I had prepared for last night's proposal.
"Amelia," I spoke with an eerie composure.
Amelia’s smile broadened slightly, assuming I was giving in to her offer. But in the next second, I popped the velvet box open and casually tossed the diamond ring straight into the biohazard trash bin beside the hospital bed.
CLANK.
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Amelia’s triumphant smile shattered into utter shock.
"The $2 billion project can collapse, and the Brooks Group can go bankrupt," I stared directly into her eyes, every word delivered with absolute finality. "But I will never sell out my children again. Get the hell out of here before I throw you out myself."
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