Another nurse stepped forward cautiously, holding a chart. “Ma’am, there was… there was a directive. The body was already cremated, per instructions from Mrs. Vivienne Calder.”
“What?” Adrian’s voice thundered through the room. “What did you just say?”
The nurse trembled. “Mrs. Calder handled all arrangements personally. She… she stayed with him through the night. The cremation happened at dawn. She said it was his wish to rest quietly.”
Seraphine froze, her face turning white. “No,” she whispered. “No, that’s not true. I’m his mother. She had no right!” Her voice rose into a scream. “She took that from me too! I’ll sue this hospital! I’ll destroy all of you!”
She was trembling violently, her knees buckling. Adrian reached for her, but she collapsed against him, fainting from the shock. Nurses rushed forward to catch her, calling for help.
Adrian just stood there, his ears ringing. He couldn’t think. Couldn’t move. His son — his only son — gone? Just like that? No goodbye. No last look.
Something inside him snapped.
He turned to the doctor, his face red with fury. “Find her. Now.” His voice was a growl. “Find Vivienne Calder and bring her to me. I don’t care what it takes. You hear me?”