Chapter 18 - Cassandra’s Confession
Cassandra requested to see Toby.
Naomi refused on medical grounds.
Elijah refused as Toby’s legal father.
Cassandra’s attorney reminded him that paternity could be challenged.
Elijah answered, “Then challenge it in court after Toby survives.”
Cassandra recorded a statement for her son.
She admitted injecting him.
She claimed Leonard convinced her the dose would be harmless.
She also admitted wanting the company’s success.
“I thought if the drug worked, Elijah would finally respect me.”
Elijah watched the recording.
Naomi stood nearby.
“She wanted your respect badly enough to risk her child.”
“I made everyone around me believe success was the only language I understood.”
“That does not make her innocent.”
“I know.”
Cassandra revealed one final secret.
She and Leonard had created embryos using stored genetic material before she married Elijah.
Toby was conceived deliberately.
Leonard believed a biological child could eventually inherit shares through Cassandra and give him influence over Sherman Biotech.
Toby had been part of a financial plan before birth.
Elijah closed his eyes.
The boy’s entire life had been shaped by adults assigning value to him.
Naomi said, “He cannot grow up believing biology or shares determine who loves him.”
Elijah looked toward Toby.
“How do I stop that?”
“By telling the truth in a way he can understand. And by staying after the truth becomes inconvenient.”
Elijah nodded.
He had failed at staying before.
This time, he would have to prove himself through years, not promises.
Then a social worker entered.
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Because Elijah was not Toby’s biological father and Cassandra was under arrest, emergency custody required immediate court review.
Toby could be placed in temporary foster care.
