Chapter 52: The Hidden Passage of the Past

Once in the hallway, the assistant and Alexander realized that no one would overhear them.

—Sir, I’ve found something about Miranda’s mother that I think you should know —said the assistant, handing him an envelope—. This could be relevant to everything that’s happening.

Alexander took the envelope and carefully opened it. Inside were newspaper clippings and a series of handwritten notes. As he read, his expression shifted from surprise to contained disbelief.

—What does this mean? —he asked, pointing to an article mentioning a scandal at a hospital six years ago.

Richard adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat.

—Six years ago, Miranda’s mother was linked to quite a strong rumor. According to several sources, she was said to be the mistress of the Central Hospital’s manager.

Alexander frowned.

—The same hospital where Isabella had her baby?

—Exactly —Richard confirmed—. And there’s more. The hospital manager resigned abruptly after the rumor went public. Some said she had too much influence over him, and irregularities were discovered in certain cases involving newborns.

Alexander’s heart started pounding.

—Irregularities with newborns? What kind of irregularities?

—There are no concrete details in the articles, but I’ve been investigating on my own. There are records of missing or switched babies, though nothing was ever officially confirmed. Everything was discreetly buried after the manager’s resignation.

Alexander stood up, pacing back and forth.

—This can’t be a coincidence. Miranda’s mother was involved in something bigger.

Richard nodded.

—It seems so, sir. I’ve requested copies of the hospital’s records, but it might take time to get access. All of this was buried very carefully.

Alexander stopped in his tracks and looked at Richard intently.

—Does Miranda know anything about this?

—It’s hard to say. But considering what we know about her, I wouldn’t rule out that she’s aware of at least part of the story.

Alexander clenched his fists, feeling a mix of frustration and suspicion.

—This explains so much… her insistence on keeping me close, her need to control everything. But if this has anything to do with Isabella or her baby…

Richard interrupted him gently.

—Sir, if I may, I think this is just the tip of the iceberg. We need to be careful and confirm the facts before confronting Miranda or her mother.

Alexander took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.

—You’re right. But I’m not leaving this as it is. If Miranda’s mother was involved in something that affected Isabella or her child, I will find out, no matter the cost.

Richard nodded with determination.

—I’m at your disposal for whatever you need, sir.

Alexander dismissed him with a gesture and stayed alone in his office, staring at the papers on his desk. His mind was full of questions. What else had Miranda and her mother been hiding? How did Isabella fit into all of this?

The truth was getting closer, and Alexander knew the moment of confrontation was approaching.

Alexander couldn’t shake the suspicions from his mind. The information about Miranda’s mother and her possible connection to the hospital where Isabella gave birth tormented him. Though he tried to focus on other matters, the image of Isabella breaking down after recognizing that woman lingered in his thoughts.

Determined to get answers, Alexander set aside the documents from the interrupted wedding. This can wait, he thought. His priority was uncovering the truth. He headed to the library, where he knew Isabella had been seeking refuge lately.

He found her sitting in a chair by the window, flipping through an old photo album. She seemed lost in thought, but the tension in her shoulders was evident.

—Isabella, can I talk to you? —he asked, breaking the silence.

She looked up at him, a mix of surprise and weariness on her face.

—Of course, Alexander. What’s going on?

He sat down across from her, rubbing his hands as he carefully chose his words.

—Isabella, what happened at the wedding… I think there’s more to it. It’s not just Ethan and his mischief. I believe Miranda’s mother is hiding something important.

Isabella dropped the album onto her lap, staring at him with wide eyes.

—What are you saying?

Alexander took a breath, trying to organize his thoughts.

—There are too many coincidences, Isabella. Miranda’s mother was linked to the hospital where… where you gave birth. Ethan bursting into the wedding and pointing at them can’t be random.

She frowned, her breathing becoming heavier.

—Alexander, that hospital… Something was wrong from the start. But I was so weak, so lost, that I never questioned it.

—Can you remember anything else? Any detail could be important —he insisted, leaning toward her.

Isabella closed her eyes, searching her memory.

—There was a woman… tall, dark-haired, who always watched me from a distance. She never spoke to me, and when my baby was born, she gave the order to kill him. Now that I remember, I’m sure it was Miranda’s mother.

Alexander felt a chill run down his spine.

—Isabella, if that woman was involved, it could explain so much.

She nodded, her hands trembling slightly.

—I remember they insisted I sign some papers before leaving, but I was so confused… I don’t even know what I signed.

Alexander clenched his fists.

—We need proof, Isabella. I can’t accuse them without something solid, but I promise you I’ll get to the bottom of this.

She nodded, her eyes filled with determination mixed with fear.

—No matter how long it takes, I’ll find the truth.

—And I’ll help you —Alexander said firmly, placing a hand over hers.

At that moment, Ethan appeared at the door, a worried expression on his face.

—Dad? Mom Isabella, are you okay?

Both turned to him, interrupted by the boy’s innocent concern. However, deep down, Alexander knew the past wouldn’t stay buried much longer, and the pieces of this dark puzzle would soon start falling into place.