Margaret did not flinch under his stare.

“I protected the assets of the trust, Grant,” Margaret said.

She held her leather folio tightly against her chest.

“You cannot block a medical transfer,” Grant said, his voice rising as he took a step toward her. “I am their father.”

“And Chloe is their mother,” Margaret said.

“The trust agreement signed by your grandfather is very specific about emergency custody.”

My chest burned with every breath, the surgical stitches pulling against my skin.

“The babies are staying here,” I said, my voice barely louder than a whisper.

“You have no say in this, Chloe,” Vanessa said, stepping closer to Grant.

She smelled of expensive jasmine and hospital antiseptic.

“The transfer papers are signed by the chief of staff,” Vanessa added, holding up a printout.

“The chief of staff who received a three-million-dollar donation to his research fund yesterday,” Margaret said.

“I have already flagged that transaction for the board.”

Grant’s face darkened, a vein throbbing near his temple.

“That donation was approved months ago,” Grant said.

“The timing will look very different to a judge,” Margaret said.