Chapter 168

Chapter 168
Finn's POV

I stood in the center of the Sterling Estate's private conference room, my stance wide and commanding as I surveyed the medical team assembled before me.

Twelve pairs of eyes stared back—some curious, others nervous. These were the people who would deliver my child, who would hold Hannah's life in their hands. The thought sent ice through my veins.

"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," I said, my voice deliberately calm. Jack stood to my right, six of my security personnel positioned strategically around the room's perimeter. The message was clear: no one was leaving until I was finished.

I nodded to Jack, who stepped forward and placed a manila folder on the conference table. "Before we discuss the delivery of my child, I'd like to share something with you."

Dr. Brown, a woman in her fifties with steel-gray hair and confident posture, reached for the folder first. As she opened it, her professional composure wavered slightly. She passed it to the anesthesiologist beside her, whose hands trembled as he accepted it.

"What you're looking at," I explained as the folder made its way around the table, "is a comprehensive list of your homes, your phone numbers, your children's schools, your parents' nursing homes—even your vacation properties." I maintained eye contact with each person as they examined the pages. "In Sterling family matters, we cannot afford to take risks. Consider this a precautionary measure."

A young nurse at the far end of the table went pale as she recognized her sister's address on the list. The room had gone completely silent, save for the soft hum of the hospital's ventilation system.

"I want to be perfectly clear," I continued, walking slowly around the table. "If anything—and I mean anything—goes wrong with Hannah's delivery that could have been prevented, there will be severe consequences." I paused behind the chief surgeon, resting my hand on the back of his chair. "Not just for your careers, but for everyone on those pages."

My suit jacket shifted slightly, revealing the outline of the shoulder holster beneath. It wasn't an accident. In the world I came from before returning to the Sterling name, threats weren't made with words alone.

Dr. Brown cleared her throat, breaking the tense silence. A chill seemed to run through her as she met my gaze, but to her credit, she didn't look away.

"Mr. Sterling," she said firmly, "I can assure you that we will ensure everything goes smoothly. Hannah's safety and the baby's are our absolute priority."

I held her gaze for a moment longer before nodding. "I'm glad we understand each other."

With a subtle hand gesture, I signaled to Jack, who wheeled in a cart holding several aluminum briefcases. I stepped forward and opened the first one, revealing neatly stacked bundles of cash and checkbooks.

"Now that we've discussed the stick, let's talk about the carrot." I flipped open each case methodically, displaying the contents for all to see. "Each of you will receive double your usual fee for a high-risk delivery. Successful delivery with no complications earns a bonus equal to a year's salary." I closed the last case with a sharp snap. "Consider carefully whether you want the reward or the alternative."

I noticed a young nurse in the corner, her face betraying her fear. Her hands shook as she clutched her clipboard to her chest. I pointed directly at her.

"You. If your psychological fortitude isn't up to this task, you may leave now. I only want the best for Hannah."

The young woman stiffened but didn't move. Pride—or perhaps fear—kept her rooted to the spot.

Dr. Brown stood up, her professional demeanor returning as she addressed her team. "Mr. Sterling, I can assure you that everyone in this room has been carefully selected based on their expertise. We are the elite team that regularly handles deliveries for America's most prominent families."

She gestured to the assembled medical professionals. "Dr. Rivera is the top obstetric surgeon on the East Coast. Dr. Chen has handled more high-risk pregnancies than anyone in New York. Our nursing staff is second to none."

Dr. Brown's voice grew stronger as she continued. "What's more, we're all very familiar with Hannah's case. We've reviewed her medical history extensively and developed comprehensive contingency plans for every possible scenario."

As she spoke, I observed the shift in the room's atmosphere. The initial fear was being replaced by professional pride. These people weren't just intimidated now—they recognized the opportunity before them. Serving the Sterling family successfully would mean prestige and financial reward beyond measure.

One by one, the team members straightened in their chairs, their expressions becoming more determined. They weren't just afraid of failure anymore; they were motivated to succeed.

"Hannah's pregnancy is healthy and normal," Dr. Brown concluded. "There's no reason to expect complications, but rest assured, we are prepared for anything."

I nodded, satisfied with their response. "You may go prepare. We expect labor to intensify within the next few hours."

As the medical team filed out, their steps purposeful and conversations professional, I gestured for Jack to remain behind. When the door closed, leaving just the two of us, I lowered my voice.

"Increase surveillance on Sophia and Richard," I instructed, my tone leaving no room for question.

Jack nodded, understanding the gravity of my concern. "Already done, sir. We have eyes on both of them."

I turned to look out the window, my mind on Hannah, alone in her birthing suite, waiting for me to return. Soon, very soon, our child would enter this world. And I had just ensured that nothing—and no one—would stand in the way of their safety.