“I’m just thankful, is all.” She smiled again. “How can I help you?” she asked me and started to type on the laptop in front of her.
“Marisha, you know what? Actually, I didn’t want to take credit, but it was because of me that you were relocated to this…well, safer position.” I paused and glanced around me. “I need you to tell me where the inventory for the Life Center is kept. Alister, my husband, has asked me to check it since I was the one who did a restock. I’d like to make sure the products were delivered safely.” It was terrifying how easily the lie came to me.
Marisha looked nervous as she glanced around us. “Okay, Mrs. Ivory. I’ll give you the map, and I’m sure your badge has access since only Mr. Ivory and you were granted full access to the entire resort.”
“Thank you, Marisha.” I smiled as I took the paper from her and looked at the map.
“The inventory is kept on the top floor above the Life Center. If you scan your badge, you’ll be able to enter immediately. If there is any security breach, then we can discharge our guards.” She laced her fingers together and asked, “Do you need anything else, Mrs. Ivory?”
I sighed. “No, I’m ready to turn in for bed soon, so this is all.” I quickly turned the corner, glancing at the map of La Gabbia. It was massive. Making my way toward the employee-only elevators, I picked up my pace, dodging guests and workers. I stood in front of the gold elevator and scanned my badge. The doors opened and I dragged my finger across the various buttons. There it was. The floor, below the penthouse. I closed my eyes for a moment as the elevator shot upward and the doors opened. Taking a step out, I turned and saw the signage to the Life Center with a massive stork, but instead, I went the other way to where a hospital symbol of a red cross was hanging above.
My heart was racing as I scanned my badge again, thinking there was no way I could get inside, but the doors slid open just as doubt plagued my mind.
It was quiet, cold, and eerily peaceful. I entered and saw nurses in old-fashioned uniforms with hats on.
The blinding fluorescent lights pained my eyes as I turned and began walking.
“Mrs. Ivory?” a soft voice repeated multiple times as I continued walking forward.
Pausing, I looked at the nurse who quickly cut me off.
“What is it?” I said sternly.
“Welcome to the birth center. We are honored by your visit.” She bowed her head.
“I need to check inventory, and I’d like a tour of the facility.” I knew I had to hurry since Sage was already boarding the private plane to go home.
“Absolutely, ma’am. I’ll need to phone Mr. Ivory, if that’s alright. All birth center and inventory-related visits must be approved by him.”
I looked at my ring; it was enormous and reminded me that Alister chose me. I was the favorite girl and reminding myself that the title held more power than any others had confidence soaring through me.
“I am going to pretend you didn’t just disrespect me in my own house. I don’t need anyone’s approval. My name is on the deed of this resort. Before I throw you into the cages and force you to learn basic manners in dark therapy, I will give you one last chance to show me where it is.”
Her face turned bright red, which was a pleasant shift in color against the all-white.
“Yes, of course, Mrs. Ivory, my apologies.”
She swiftly guided me away, and once we reached the door, I looked at her. “That’ll be all.” I waved her away. She hesitated for a moment before bowing her head and leaving me. I stood in front of the hospital-like doors and took a deep breath before scanning my badge in front of the keypad.
“I can do this.” I brushed my hand across the silly cake pendant. “It’s a piece of cake.” Part of me knew the pill inside wasn’t just meant to kill Declan Rothschild, but it was also in case I needed to kill myself. I knew Bradley understood the depravity of this situation. I was risking not only my life, but his and Layla’s. I was quietly starting a war. The doors slid open, and I walked up and tugged the curtain back.
“Oh my god.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY-NINE
It was another glass window,and behind the window were at least forty cots side-by-side. Each cot had a woman with a shaved head and bony face. But each one was also clearly pregnant.
The glass door slid open in front of me, and I stepped inside. One by one, their eyes began to open, and they all stared at me with piercing green eyes.
Tilting their heads, some smiled and some stared in awe. My chest was visibly rising and falling rapidly as the door slid shut behind me.
Licking my lips, I walked to the bed closest to me. I saw the chains wrapped around the woman’s wrists and ankles. A strong odor of feces and urine stung my nose.
She smiled at me peacefully before closing her eyes again.
Why would these wealthy couples want to take babies from women who were in these conditions? Why would they…
Covering my mouth and nose, I turned away and slid my badge to open the door. I couldn’t be here right now. I had to piece everything together and save at least one life tonight.
