Chapter 17 - The Family Company
Robert Sherman arrived at the hospital with two attorneys.
He demanded access to Elijah.
Federal agents met him in the lobby.
Robert insisted the company was being attacked by emotional accusations.
Naomi listened from a distance.
A volunteer had died.
Children had been targeted.
Toby was still in intensive care.
Yet Robert spoke only about investor confidence.
Elijah joined the conversation.
“Did you know Leonard planned pediatric testing?”
Robert looked at him.
“This is not the place.”
“That is not an answer.”
“We funded research. We did not authorize criminal behavior.”
“Did you know about Trial 6?”
Robert’s eyes shifted.
Elijah understood.
His uncle had known the death was connected to the drug.
Robert lowered his voice.
“Your father spent his life building Sherman Biotech.”
“And Leonard almost ended my son’s life to preserve it.”
“He is not biologically your son.”
The cruelty of the sentence stunned everyone nearby.
Elijah stepped closer.
“Say that again.”
Robert looked away.
Federal agents asked him to come with them.
He refused until they produced a warrant.
Company emails showed Robert approved payments to Leonard’s hidden lab.
He also authorized surveillance of Naomi after she raised concerns about Trial 6.
Naomi had been watched for seven years.
Elijah stared at his uncle being escorted away.
The family company he once worshipped had protected a killer and threatened the woman he claimed to love.
Toby woke later that afternoon.
He asked Naomi whether his father was in trouble.
She answered carefully.
“Your dad is making some difficult choices.”
Toby looked toward Elijah.
“Is he choosing me?”
Naomi said, “Yes.”
May you like
Elijah heard her.
And for once, the answer was true.
