Chapter 10 - The Photograph

"Arthur Harrington," the FBI agent announced, flashing his badge as two armed agents moved past the stunned gala guests. "You and your wife are being detained for questioning regarding international child custody fraud and conspiracy to conceal a felony."

Arthur’s face paled. "This is absurd! My lawyers will have you stripped of your badge before morning!"

"Your lawyers are already being questioned, Mr. Harrington," the agent replied coldly. "Step away from the crowd, please."

As the agents moved Arthur away, Eleanor stayed behind, refusing to move. She reached into her diamond-encrusted clutch with trembling hands and pulled out a small, worn silver locket.

"Take this, Claire," Eleanor whispered, pressing the cold metal into my palm. "Inside is a photograph taken two days ago in the pediatric intensive care unit. And the key to the private ward."

I opened the locket with shaking fingers.

Inside was a picture of a six-month-old baby girl. She had soft dark curls, big green eyes, and a tiny oxygen cannula taped to her nose. Despite the hospital wires surrounding her, she was smiling—a bright, radiant smile that mirrored Oliver’s exact expression.

My heart shattered and rebuilt itself in the same second. Tears spilled over my eyelashes and dropped onto the glass of the miniature frame.

"Her name is Grace," Eleanor said softly, her voice thick with regret. "She is in Room 402 at St. Michael's Children’s Hospital. The guards at the door answer to Arthur’s private security detail, but with Arthur in federal custody, they will fold if you bring the federal warrant."

"Thank you, Eleanor," I whispered, holding the locket tight against my chest.

"Don't thank me," Eleanor wept as an agent gently took her arm. "I was selfish. I just wanted to be a mother. But a child bought with another mother’s tears can never bring peace."

I turned to Julian. "We're going to the hospital right now."

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"The car is waiting outside," Julian said, his eyes filled with fierce determination. "Let's go bring your daughter home."

***