Chapter 1

The fertility clinic called to notify me that the embryo culture was successful.

They asked when I could come in for the transfer.

I touched my lower abdomen, where the numbness from the anesthesia was just starting to fade.

I had just undergone egg retrieval this morning.

Even with the most advanced medical technology, things couldn't possibly move this fast.

I was about to call them back to get some answers, but my husband stopped me.

"My mother is pressuring us, so I pulled some strings to get us on the fast track," he said.

"I want you pregnant with our baby as soon as possible."

"Hopefully, it's twins. My buddies will be green with envy!"

I didn't say a word. I simply got into my car and drove toward the clinic.

While driving, I dialed 911.

"Hello? I'd like to report a case of illegal medical fraud and unauthorized surrogacy at the fertility center."

1

The more I thought about it on the way, the more things felt wrong.

A fast track?

I've worked in the legal system for years, handling dozens of medical malpractice cases.

From egg retrieval to forming a viable blastocyst, it takes at least five days.

I remembered what Jeremy told me a few days ago.

"Stop bringing your work home with you. Isn't it exhausting to be so cynical about everything?"

He didn't realize that it was exactly this cynicism that had cleared the names of countless innocent people.

Once a doubt appears, I have to dig until I find the truth.

I slammed my foot on the gas pedal.

Twenty minutes later, I arrived at the VIP reproductive center on the third floor.

I bypassed the crowd at the reception and went straight to the head nurse in charge of my case.

"Hi, I'm Sylvia Sterling. I had my retrieval surgery this morning."

The head nurse looked up from her computer screen, her expression filled with surprise.

"Ms. Sterling? Hasn't your representative already confirmed the final transfer plan?"

I stood there, momentarily stunned by her words.

"Dr. Summer Thorne came by personally to verify everything. She said we're proceeding as planned."

Summer Thorne?

My grip tightened around my car keys.

"I wasn't aware I had a representative."

The nurse stood up, sounding a bit impatient now.

"Stop joking, Ms. Sterling. Your file lists Dr. Thorne as your authorized representative."

"She was even involved in the fertilization process. I heard she even provided her own samples for testing."

The nurse suddenly covered her mouth, looking down as if she had said too much.

Summer Thorne.

That name haunted my life like a ghost that wouldn't leave.

She was Jeremy's self-proclaimed platonic best friend and a star doctor at this hospital.

I was about to press for more details when I saw her.

Summer appeared at the end of the hallway, wearing her white lab coat.

She was walking side-by-side with Jeremy.

She giggled and leaned her head on his shoulder.

The sight of her acting like a foxy little thing made my eyes sting.

Summer noticed me and immediately wiped the smile off her face.

"Sylvia? What are you doing here?" she asked, acting flustered.

Jeremy turned around, but he didn't look surprised.

He looked annoyed, like I was an unwanted interruption.

He walked over to me and hissed in a low voice.

"Sylvia, what do you think you're doing? I told you to wait for my news at home."

The interrogation in his tone made my blood boil.

I ignored him and looked straight at Summer, my body trembling with rage.

"Summer, why are you listed as the representative for my surgery?"

"And why did you use your own eggs to create embryos with my husband? You better give me a damn good explanation."

Summer's face went pale instantly. She looked like a kicked puppy.

"Sylvia, don't overthink this. Jeremy was worried you'd be too weak after the retrieval."

"The process is complicated, so he asked me to handle the medical side of things."

"I only prepared a backup plan to ensure we had a high success rate."

She gave Jeremy a look of helpless desperation.

"If you don't believe me, let Jeremy tell you himself."

Jeremy rubbed his temples, looking irritated.

"Sylvia, is this really necessary? Summer is like a sister to me."

"She saw how much you suffered during the retrieval and wanted to help."

"She's doing this for your own good!"

He looked at me as if his logic was perfectly sound.

"If you're unhappy about it, you can talk to me. Don't take your anger out on her."

I froze, staring at the man I had loved for three years.

It was always like this. Whenever Summer was involved, he abandoned all principles to side with her.

People in the hallway started pointing and whispering at me.

"Sounds like she can't get pregnant and is just being bitter."

"Right? A doctor tries to help and she throws a fit."

"Just more rich-people drama. She probably hates that her husband is nice to other women."

I ignored them. My eyes were brimming with tears as I glared at Summer.

"Help? You tried to use your eggs and my husband's samples to put a baby in my body while I was under."

"You call that helping?"