The harsh fluorescent lights of the hospital waiting room buzzed overhead as Marcus paced back and forth across the linoleum floor[cite: 1]. His tuxedo jacket was draped over a plastic chair, his white shirt stained with dirt and blood from the mansion floor[cite: 1].
The double doors to the trauma unit slid open, and a doctor in blue scrubs stepped out, pulling off her surgical mask[cite: 1].
Marcus: Doctor! How is my wife?! How is my baby[cite: 1]?!
Dr. Aris: Mr. Sterling, take a deep breath[cite: 1]. Your wife suffered severe bruising and a laceration on her right hand from the broken glass, but we managed to stop the bleeding[cite: 1].
Marcus: And the baby? Is our baby okay[cite: 1]?
Dr. Aris: She experienced minor placental trauma from the fall, which triggered early contractions[cite: 1]. But we administered medication to stop the labor. The baby's fetal heart rate is strong and stable[cite: 1].
Marcus let out a ragged breath, dropping his face into his hands as a quiet sob broke from his chest[cite: 1].
Marcus: Thank God... oh, thank God[cite: 1]...
Dr. Aris: She's awake now in Room 312[cite: 1]. She's asking for you[cite: 1].
Marcus rushed down the quiet hallway, pushing open the heavy door to Room 312[cite: 1]. Sarah was lying in the hospital bed, an IV line taped to her wrist and a thick white bandage wrapped around her hand[cite: 1]. Her pale face softened the moment she saw him[cite: 1].
Marcus: Sarah... oh, baby[cite: 1]...
He walked quickly to her bedside, kneeling down and pressing his forehead gently against her uninjured hand[cite: 1].
Sarah: Marcus... don't cry. The doctor said little Leo is going to be just fine[cite: 1].
Marcus: I was so scared, Sarah[cite: 1]. When I walked through those doors and saw you lying on that glass... I thought I lost you both[cite: 1].
Sarah: How did you know to come home so early[cite: 1]? You were supposed to be in corporate board meetings until eight tonight[cite: 1].
Marcus: You sent me that text message with the first page of the audit report right before she grabbed you[cite: 1]. The moment I saw the stolen trust fund transactions with Evelyn's signature, I knew you were in danger[cite: 1].
Sarah: She wanted to destroy those papers so badly[cite: 1]. She said I was a cheap nobody who didn't belong in your family[cite: 1].
Marcus: She was projecting her own sickness onto you, Sarah[cite: 1]. You are my wife. You are the mother of my son. You are the only real family I have left[cite: 1].
The room door opened quietly, and Arthur, the Sterling family's senior estate attorney, stepped inside holding a thick leather briefcase[cite: 1].
Arthur: Forgive the interruption, Marcus, Mrs. Sterling[cite: 1]. I came as soon as Detective Davis called me from the police station[cite: 1].
Marcus: What's the status on Evelyn, Arthur[cite: 1]?
Arthur: The grand jury has already been presented with the security camera footage and the forensic audit papers Mrs. Sterling secured[cite: 1]. Bail has been denied due to the severity of the charges[cite: 1].
Sarah: What will happen to the estate, Arthur[cite: 1]?
Arthur: Because Evelyn engaged in grand larceny and attempted murder against an heir to the estate, the prenuptial agreement she signed with your late father is completely voided under state law[cite: 1]. She has lost every legal claim to the mansion, the trust fund, and the company shares[cite: 1].