Chapter 26 - The Research Center
Naomi helped establish the Wheeler Pediatric Ethics Center using settlement funds from Sherman Biotech.
The center reviewed experimental treatments involving children.
Families received independent advocates before joining any trial.
Whistleblowers could report concerns without company retaliation.
The Trial 6 volunteer’s name appeared on the first ethics lecture hall.
Toby cut the opening ribbon with oversized scissors.
Elijah attended from the back row.
He had accepted a low-profile role advising nonprofit boards on corporate accountability.
Some people criticized the appointment.
Naomi did too.
“You are not an ethics expert because you failed publicly.”
“I know.”
“Then why accept?”
“Because I can explain how leaders teach people to hide bad news.”
She considered that.
“Do not make yourself the hero of the lesson.”
“I won’t.”
At the opening event, Elijah told the audience:
“I did not order the crime that harmed my son. I built conditions where people believed I would prefer success to truth. Leadership is responsible for what it rewards, ignores, and makes dangerous to report.”
Naomi listened.
He did not ask for applause.
He did not mention donating part of his remaining wealth.
He simply named the failure.
Afterward, Toby ran toward him.
“Dad, Dr. Naomi says I can help doctors when I grow up.”
Elijah smiled.
“You already have.”
May you like
Naomi joined them.
For a brief moment, they stood together without the past controlling the air.
