Chapter 204
The three had little education and barely understood the lawyers‘ jargon. But they were cooperative, doing exactly as Aubree instructed without question.
Birgitte arranged their accommodations per Aubree’s orders and scheduled a media interview for them.
After handling Logan’s family, Aubree headed to her therapy clinic.
This was her final session. The underground garage incident no longer haunted her, and her doctor had recommended one last evaluation to confirm her
recovery.
Her therapist was running late today. The nurse gestured for her to wait in the consultation room.
Feeling a bit thirsty, Aubree wanted to ask a passing nurse where she could get some water.
“Even with Christmas approaching, Dr. Wilson’s schedule stays packed.”
Two physicians chatted in the break room.
“Psychiatrists are still doctors. Holidays don’t mean much in our field.”
Daxton was her primary therapist. Aubree had no interest in eavesdropping, but just as she was about to step into the break room for some water, she overheard…
“Yeah, sometimes I wonder why I ever chose this field. Most people might find these odd cases fascinating, but for us, it’s just another day. We see them all the time.”
Perhaps thinking they were alone, the two doctors spoke rather indiscreetly.
“At least these people really have psychological issues. Remember that woman from years ago? Always came in covered head–to–toe?”
“How could I forget? She seemed perfectly normal. I never understood why Dr. Bender diagnosed her with severe PTSD, cognitive impairment, and all.
Wonder if she’s better now or…”
The doctor spoke with a hint of regret.
Aubree steadied herself. The woman was all covered up, suffering from severe PTSD…
Could it be…
This was the most prestigious and discreet private clinic in all of Rithol City. If Alice were faking a mental illness, coming here to obtain a diagnosis certificate would make perfect sense.
Aubree held her breath and kept listening.
“Better? I was assisting Dr. Bender when that woman came. She was totally fine. She just paid Dr. Bender off for a fake psychiatric evaluation.”
“Seriously? Why would anyone willingly make themselves out to be mentally ill?”
“Who knows? But judging by how freely she spent, she was probably some lady from Rithol’s elite circles. You know how twisted those wealthy families can be. Why else do you think Dr. Bender left the clinic the very next year? He was on track to become deputy director. Leaving at that critical juncture? Doesn’t make sense unless something shady went down.”
Could that woman be Alice?‘ Aubree wondered.
Ever since realizing Alice had likely faked her breakdown, Aubree and Bowen had devoted considerable resources to investigating, but found nothing
concrete.
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Chapter 204
The sudden lead sent a jolt through her. Without thinking, she pushed open the break room door. “Excuse me, do you still have any records from that
case?”
The two doctors were startled by Aubree’s sudden intrusion. Patient confidentiality was crucial, and being caught gossiping made them instantly defensive. “Sorry, we really don’t know what you’re talking about. Aren’t you Dr. Wilson’s patient? She should be almost done. Why don’t you head over
to her office?”
The other tugged her colleague away, muttering, “Go, go! Why can’t I keep my mouth shut? If the director finds out we leaked patient info, we’re done
for.”
Aubree didn’t stop them. Pressing further would only make them shut down completely and risk their careers.
Dr. Bender…
She burned the name into her memory, filled her water cup, and returned to the consultation room.
“Miss Miller, it seems you’re quite resilient. That incident no longer affects you.” Daxton, a warm, middle–aged woman, smiled kindly.
Aubree knitted her brows, her face devoid of the expected relief.
“What’s wrong, Miss Miller?”
“Dr. Wilson,” Aubree asked hesitantly, “may I ask you a question?”
Daxton paused for a moment. “Of course.”
“Dr. Wilson, is it really possible for someone with PTSD to become so affected that they can’t even recognize the people closest to them?”
“Theoretically, yes, but each case needs to be evaluated individually.”
“So, what if a mother lost her daughter and developed PTSD, then adopted another girl, mistaking her for her lost child? Would she become so protective of the adopted daughter that, when her biological child is finally found, she’d even turn against her real daughter to protect the adopted one?”
Aubree’s identity was hardly a secret. After all the online controversies, even those who didn’t know her personally were at least somewhat aware of her complicated relationship with the Wilson family.
Daxton’s smile faded as she, of course, realized who the story was about. After a thoughtful pause, she said, “While theoretically possible, my professional opinion leans against it. The mother’s trauma stems from losing her biological daughter. The adopted child would only ever be an emotional placeholder. When the real daughter returns, maternal instinct would logically prioritize protecting her, not rejecting her.
“If the loss was traumatic enough to cause such a breakdown, no substitute could ever compare to the real child.”
Aubree blinked, collecting herself. “Dr. Wilson,” she said, “there’s something else I’d like to ask. Do you know a Dr. Bender at this hospital? The one who nearly became deputy director?”
By now, it would be professional negligence if Daxton didn’t grasp the situation.
“Did you overhear something, Miss Miller?”
Aubree nodded silently. “I was just getting some water in the break room when I overheard some doctors chatting.”
Daxton gave her a knowing look. “You suspect that Dr. Bender’s patient was your mo… your birth mother?”
“Yes,” Aubree said.
“Unfortunately, I don’t know the patient’s identity. All I can tell you is that Dr. Bender’s first name is Gordon, originally from Kroit City.”
“Thank you, Dr. Wilson.”
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After leaving Dr. Wilson’s clinic, Aubree wasted no time reaching out to her contacts to investigate Gordon. She was certain that finding him would canal why Alice had faked her illness.
Time marched on. Beneath the surface tranquility, undercurrents of tension swirled.
Carmen’s ambition knew no bounds. Flush with early success, she recklessly pushed to expand MindDrift–a classic case of biting off more than the could chew.
Daxton, concerned about her inexperience, hired a seasoned CEO to assist her.
All Carmen could think about now was surpassing Aubree, not just beating her, but utterly dominating her. With Alice’s unconditional backing, Carmen charged ahead, determined to prove she could crush Aubree.
With all her money and connections, wasn’t it only natural for her to come out on top?
Drunk on her newfound power, Carmen insisted on expanding MindDrift despite knowing its growth was unstable. The professional CEO tried to dissuade her, but to no avail. When he turned to Daxton, Daxton simply said, “Let Carmen do as she pleases. There’s no problem our Wilson family can’t handle.”
Money and connections smoothed every obstacle. Executives tripped over themselves to accommodate Carmen, eager to curry favor with the Wilson empire.
And Ronald? Engrossed in other ventures, he paid no attention to Mind Drift’s unchecked expansion.
AD
