Chapter 15 - Nicole’s Private Appointment
Brandon turned toward Nicole after the board call ended.
“What is she talking about?”
Nicole looked exhausted.
“Luke fainted at preschool three months ago.”
“I know. They said he was overheated.”
“The teacher said his lips looked blue for a few seconds.”
Brandon’s face tightened.
“Why didn’t you tell me that?”
“I did tell you about the fainting. But I didn’t tell you I contacted a genetic counselor afterward.”
“Why?”
“Because your mother overheard me asking your aunt about childhood deaths. She called me that night and said if I spread ‘lies’ about her family, she would destroy our marriage.”
Brandon sat down slowly.
Nicole continued.
“She told me you would never forgive me if I suggested Luke inherited something from you.”
“You believed her?”
“I believed you were already carrying enough guilt from work, your father, and trying to please her. I wanted medical facts before I frightened you.”
She handed him an email.
The counselor had requested family records.
Madeline had contacted the clinic the next day pretending to be Nicole and canceled the appointment.
Brandon stared at the screen.
“She impersonated you.”
“Yes.”
Nicole’s eyes filled.
“I should have told you.”
“You were trying to protect me.”
“And I almost waited too long.”
Brandon took her hand.
“No more secrets between us. Not hers. Not ours.”
Nicole nodded.
Luke stirred and opened his eyes.
“Daddy?”
Brandon moved to the bed.
Luke looked frightened.
“Is Grandma mad because I’m sick?”
Brandon pressed his forehead gently to his son’s.
“No. Grandma is angry because the truth makes her powerless.”
Later that night, Elias called again.
He had watched the recorded board statement.
His voice shook.
May you like
“I’m coming to Nashville.”
👉 Elias had avoided Madeline for thirty years—but he was finally ready to face her in the room where she believed she still controlled everyone.
