Chapter 4: The Truth Hidden in the Hospital

Sean stood silently in his office, reading the investigation report for the third time.

Every page pointed to the same conclusion.

For the past several months, Shannon had spent nearly every day at the city's largest children's hospital.

She wasn't shopping.

She wasn't meeting another man.

She wasn't wasting his money.

She was living at the hospital.

"Find out why," Sean instructed his assistant.

"Yes, Mr. Ford."

"And don't let Mrs. Ford know she's being investigated."

"Understood."

After the assistant left, Sean leaned back in his chair.

Something about Shannon's behavior refused to make sense.

If she wanted money, why wasn't she spending it on herself?

Why had every payment ended up at the same hospital?

Meanwhile, Shannon had barely left John's bedside.

The little boy had finally awakened after another difficult night.

"Mom," he whispered weakly.

"Does medicine always taste this bad?"

Shannon laughed softly despite the exhaustion in her eyes.

"Unfortunately, yes."

"Then I'll drink it anyway," John replied bravely.

"Because I want to get better."

Her heart ached as she gently stroked his hair.

"You're already the strongest little boy I know."

"Will Dad come when I get better?"

The familiar question caught her off guard once again.

"Maybe someday," she answered carefully.

"Does he know about me?"

Shannon remained silent.

John noticed immediately.

"It's okay, Mom."

"You don't have to answer."

The innocent maturity in her son's voice made tears gather in her eyes.

Outside the room, Dr. Harris approached her.

"Mrs. Ford, may I have a word?"

She followed him into the hallway.

"We've scheduled John's surgery for next week."

"However, the payment deadline is tomorrow afternoon."

"Otherwise we'll have to postpone the operation."

Shannon felt the ground disappear beneath her feet.

"I understand."

"I'll find the money."

"Please don't delay his treatment."

The doctor nodded sympathetically.

"We're doing everything we can."

"But the hospital has procedures we must follow."

Later that afternoon, Sean's investigator finally returned.

"Sir, we've confirmed several things."

"Go on."

"Mrs. Ford has been paying for a young patient's medical treatment."

"Patient?"

"Yes."

"A boy named John."

"How old?"

"Almost six."

Sean frowned.

"What's their relationship?"

"Hospital records list Mrs. Ford as his legal guardian."

"Nothing else?"

"The child's personal file is sealed."

"Even our contacts couldn't access it."

Sean slowly tapped his fingers against the desk.

"Interesting."

"Who seals a child's medical records?"

"Someone with influence."

"Or someone protecting a secret," the investigator replied.

Sean nodded thoughtfully.

"Keep digging."

That evening, Shelby arrived unexpectedly at Sean's office.

"You're still working?" she asked with a smile.

"I thought we were having dinner."

"I forgot."

"Forgot?"

"Sean, you've never forgotten our plans before."

She noticed the open investigation file on his desk.

"What's this?"

Sean immediately closed the folder.

"Company business."

"Is it about Shannon?"

His silence answered the question.

"Why are you wasting time on her?" Shelby asked impatiently.

"She's only staying because of your money."

"Is she?" Sean replied quietly.

"Of course she is."

"Otherwise she would've left years ago."

Sean looked toward the window.

"Maybe."

"Or maybe I never bothered asking why she stayed."

Shelby stared at him in disbelief.

"Sean... you're actually defending her?"

"I'm simply looking for facts."

"Facts?"

"Fine."

"Then here's one."

"If you keep worrying about your wife, you'll lose me."

Sean remained calm.

"If that's your decision, I'll respect it."

Shelby hadn't expected such a response.

Frustrated, she grabbed her purse and stormed out.

For the first time, Sean didn't follow her.

The next morning, Shannon visited yet another financial institution.

Again, her application was rejected.

Walking out onto the busy street, she felt completely lost.

"Mrs. Ford?"

She turned around.

A familiar face smiled warmly.

"Emily told me I'd find you here."

"Julian?"

Julian Hayes had been Shannon's university classmate years ago.

Now he was one of the city's most respected lawyers.

"It's been a long time," he said.

"Emily mentioned your son is ill."

"I'm sorry."

Shannon smiled politely.

"Thank you."

"Actually..."

Julian hesitated before speaking.

"If you're willing, I may know someone who can help with the medical expenses."

"Really?"

"Who?"

"A charitable medical foundation."

"They specialize in helping children with rare illnesses."

For the first time in weeks, hope flickered inside Shannon's heart.

"Would they really consider John's case?"

"We'll submit the application today."

"Nothing is guaranteed... but it's worth trying."

"Thank you," she whispered gratefully.

"You have no idea how much this means."

As they walked toward Julian's office, neither noticed a familiar black luxury car parked across the street.

Inside the vehicle, Sean watched silently.

His driver glanced into the rearview mirror.

"Should I follow them, sir?"

Sean's expression hardened as he watched Shannon smiling at another man.

"Yes."

"Don't lose them."

For reasons he couldn't explain, a strange feeling settled heavily in his chest.

Jealousy.

It was unexpected.

After all...

Wasn't he the one who had spent years treating their marriage as meaningless?

Then why did seeing another man beside Shannon suddenly bother him so much?

An hour later, Sean received another phone call from his investigator.

"Mr. Ford... we've uncovered something important."

"What is it?"

"The child... John..."

"There's a strong possibility he isn't simply Mrs. Ford's legal ward."

"What are you saying?"

"Sir... I believe John may actually be your son."