Delaney felt the truth of that settle like a stone in her chest. And Ava was still in the middle of it.
“I’ll contact my lawyers right now,” Vivian added a moment later. “Thank you both for the heads up.”
“Vivian,” Delaney said carefully, “will Grant sign that prenup?”
There was a pause. Vivian exhaled slowly. “I’m trying to work that out with him.”
Delaney shared a glance with Eli. “Do you trust him?” she came out and asked Vivian.
The silence stretched longer this time. ThenVivian muttered, “I’m not sure I can fully trust anyone.”
The line went dead.
Delaney lowered the phone and stared at the screen. “That wasn’t exactly reassuring.”
“No,” Eli said. “It wasn’t.”
Delaney stayed quiet as they continued the drive, her fingers tapping lightly against her thigh. The narrow road wound through thick trees and opened up to a wide clearing where the Hale Institute came into view.
A tall security gate stretched across the entrance, flanked by thick stone columns and high fencing. An armed guard stepped out of a small booth as they pulled up. His dark uniform bore the Hale Institute emblem, and his expression was cool, assessing.
Eli rolled down his window and handed over both of their IDs.
“We’re expected,” Eli informed him.
The guard scanned the IDs, gave a tight nod, and stepped back. “Go ahead. Drive straight in and park in the visitor lot. Enter the building through reception.”
The gate opened slowly, and Eli drove through. It was a quarter-mile drive up a paved road lined with manicured hedges and rows of old oak trees. The wide veranda that stretched across the front of the institute gave it a serene, curated appearance that didn’t sit right with Delaney. Too perfect. Too still.
Eli parked in a designated visitor space near the front, and they both stepped out, taking in their surroundings with several sweeping glances. Delaney spotted a guard at the rear and another at the tree line on the side of the property. She wondered if these were security measures added after Olivia’s escape.
“Activate body cam,” Eli muttered, and Delaney did the same.
Of course, nothing they recorded here could be used in court against Hale, but something might be heard or seen that could help them free Ava and get justice for Olivia.
Inside, the reception area was just as polished. Cool marble floors, soft lighting, and neutral-toned furniture that looked expensive and untouched. A young woman sat behind a sleek, curved desk. Her brown hair was pulled into a tight bun, and her smile looked practiced.
“Welcome to the Hale Institute,” she said. “Dr. Hale is expecting you. Please follow me.”
Delaney and Eli exchanged a glance before following the receptionist through a long corridor. Framed landscape paintings lined the walls, and a faint scent of lavender hung in the air.
The receptionist stopped in front of a wide oak door and knocked once before opening it. “Dr. Hale, your guests are here.”
Delaney stepped into the office first, her eyes sweeping the space. Hale stood behind a massive desk, hands folded calmly in front of him. Hesmiled as if this were a social call.
“Agents,” he said smoothly. He flashed them a calm smile. “Welcome. I trust your drive was pleasant?”
Delaney didn’t return Hale’s smile. Instead, she stepped forward, letting her voice carry just enough edge to make her intent clear.
“The warrants are still being processed,” she informed him, “but we’d like to take you up on your offer for us to have a look around your facility.”
Hale’s smile never faltered, but Delaney saw the tension in the corner of his jaw. He didn’t like this. That much was clear. Still, he was practiced, polished, and maddeningly calm.
“Of course,” he said, folding his hands on the desk. “I am more than willing to accommodate your request. Within reason.”
Delaney didn’t move. She waited.
Hale gestured slightly. “There are areas of the institute you’re free to see. Others, particularly those involved in direct patient care, are off-limits unless you come back with an official court order. My patients’ privacy must be protected.”
