Adrian POV
Scandals rarely begin with explosions.
They begin with timing.
At 6:12 a.m., my phone vibrates once against the nightstand.
Not a call.
A priority alert.
I’m already awake.
I read the headline before sitting up.
EXCLUSIVE: QUESTIONS SURROUND HALE HEIR TIMELINE
Efficient. Surgical. Anonymous.
Exactly as intended.
Across the room, Lydia sleeps undisturbed, sunlight just beginning to edge across the sheets. Her breathing is slow, one hand resting unconsciously over her abdomen.
I look away first.
Business before sentiment.
Always.
I open the full article.
The journalist doesn’t accuse.
Accusations invite lawsuits.
Instead, the piece asks questions.
Dates compared.
Hospital admission records are referenced indirectly.
Photographs timestamped against public appea
