Chapter 8
Two Mothers, One Camera
Reporters gathered outside St. Orison to film two women fighting over one baby.
Ivy and Naomi refused the picture. They sat side by side, each holding the infant currently in her care, and recorded one statement with their lawyers present.
"We consent to independent testing," Ivy said. "We do not consent to public results."
"We are cooperating to protect both children," Naomi continued. "No agency or hospital speaks for us."
The statement ended before anyone could turn grief into content.
Celeste requested a private meeting with Naomi. She offered permanent uncontested custody, refunded fees, and a sealed trust if Naomi withdrew her invoices.
"And Ivy?" Naomi asked.
"She will receive appropriate support."
Naomi kept her voice calm while her phone recorded from inside her lawyer's evidence pouch. "You mean she will keep the other baby."
Celeste's pause authenticated the bargain better than a confession.
Across the hall, Lena recovered the last seconds of device archive before deletion. The log showed two band scans by the same user.
The user ID belonged to Daniel.