The Billionaire's Insignificant Wife novel Chapter 170

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Counterattack

In the morning, the medical board received a complaint sent by Lisa Brennan.

At eight in the morning, Judge Hartford’s office received official notification from the Medical Board.

The judge immediately summoned Ms. Fontaine to come. She sat in the luxurious waiting room, legs crossed anxiously, eyes constantly glancing at the judge’s office door.

Ms. Fontaine had been waiting twenty minutes–long enough for anxiety to begin creeping up.

The door finally opened.

“Ms. Fontaine, please come in.”

Judge Hartford sat behind a large desk with an expression that was hard to read–professional, but with

worried wrinkles on his forehead.

“Is there a problem?” Ms. Fontaine asked directly, having no patience for pleasantries.

Judge Hartford took a document from his desk–an envelope with the Medical Board letterhead–and pushed it across the desk.

“A serious complaint has been filed against Dr. Halvorsen,” he said in a careful tone. “A formal complaint from a former patient named Lisa Brennan. Allegations of medical malpractice.”

Ms. Fontaine grabbed the document with suddenly unsteady hands. Reading it quickly–eyes moving faster than she could fully process.

Complaint filed: Last night, 11:47 PM

Complainant: Lisa Brennan

Allegations: Medical malpractice, negligence in patient care, failure to follow standard protocols…

“This…” she whispered in an unbelieving voice. “This timing is very suspicious, Your Honor. We just submitted the petition yesterday. The examination was just conducted. And suddenly there’s a complaint against Dr. Halvorsen last night?”

Judge Hartford nodded with a carefully neutral expression.

“I understand your concern,” he said measuredly. “And I also notice the convenient timing. But this

complaint must be taken seriously. Lisa Brennan is a credible complainant with a documented case. The investigation five years ago did find no abuse in her case–which means Dr. Halvorsen’s initial evaluation was wrong.”

Ms. Fontaine clenched the document in her hands.

“But that doesn’t mean Dr. Halvorsen is incompetent or biased,” she protested urgently. “She followed protocol. She acted based on information available at the time. And the investigation ultimately cleared her of wrongdoing.”

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“I know,” Judge Hartford answered in a voice that was sympathetic but firm. “But this complaint raises questions that must be answered. Especially since Ms. Brennan specifically mentions that she’s concerned Dr. Halvorsen is doing the same thing in the current case–which in this case, is Mrs.

Blackwood’s case.”

Judge Hartford leaned back in his chair with a tired expression.

“The Medical Board will investigate this complaint,” he continued with finality. “And until the investigation is complete, your and Dr. Halvorsen’s report will be placed under review. That means the report cannot be used as a basis for emergency intervention until Dr. Halvorsen’s credibility is confirmed.

Ms. Fontaine felt something cold creep up her spine.

“How long will that investigation take?” she asked in a very controlled voice.

“Two to four weeks,” Judge Hartford answered. “Possibly longer if the Medical Board requires additional testimony or review of other cases.”

“Two to four weeks?” Ms. Fontaine repeated in a voice rising with disbelief. “Your Honor, Mrs. Alina Blackwood is in critical medical condition. She’s suffering from severe malnutrition that threatens her pregnancy. She is clearly a victim of systematic isolation and emotional abuse. She needs a protective order now–not two to four weeks from now.”

Judge Hartford looked at Ms. Fontaine with eyes full of something like regret.

“I sympathize with Mrs. Blackwood’s situation,” he said gently. “And I’m not saying intervention won’t happen. But with this complaint, I can’t base my decision solely on Dr. Halvorsen’s evaluation. I will need a second opinion from another psychiatrist. An independent evaluation that cannot be questioned.”

He paused.

“And that will take time.”

Ms. Fontaine felt overwhelming frustration. Felt the victory they had almost achieved slipping from their

hands.

“This is exactly what Daniel Blackwood wants,” she said in a voice full of barely contained anger. “He’s using the system against us. He paid someone to file a false complaint to delay the process. And while we’re stuck in bureaucracy, Mrs. Blackwood remains vulnerable.”

“You have no evidence that Mr. Blackwood is behind this complaint,” Judge Hartford said firmly.

“Not yet,” Ms. Fontaine answered with conviction. “But I will find it.”

At St. Catherine’s Medical Center, Daniel walked through the lobby with confident steps and impeccable

posture.

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He wore a perfectly tailored dark gray suit, silk tie, and carried a large and beautiful bouquet of white

roses.

White roses were Alina’s favorite flowers once.

Before everything changed.

The nurse at the reception desk smiled when she saw him approach.

“Good morning, Sir,” she greeted politely. “How can I help you?”

“I’m here to visit my wife, Mrs. Alina Blackwood,” Daniel said in a warm and concerned voice. “Room 412. I’m Daniel Blackwood.”

The nurse typed something on the computer.

“Ah yes, Mr. Blackwood. Visiting hours have just begun. Please go up to the fourth floor.”

“Thank you.”

Daniel walked to the elevator with measured steps–every movement calculated to project the image of a devoted and very worried husband.

The elevator rose smoothly.

The doors opened on the fourth floor.

Daniel walked down the familiar corridor–past the nurse station, past other rooms, until he stopped in front of a door with a small plate: 412.

He took a deep breath.

Then knocked gently before opening the door.

Alina sat in bed with pillows behind her back and a breakfast tray that was barely touched on the

bedside table.

When she saw Daniel enter, her entire body immediately FROZE.

Eyes widened with instant and profound fear.

Breathing became short and fast.

Hands gripped the blanket tightly until knuckles turned white.

Daniel saw all of it.

Something dark and painful moved in his chest. But he ignored it.

For Daniel, Alina’s fear at this moment would actually be advantageous so Alina would obey him.

“Alina,” Daniel greeted in a gentle voice full of affection while walking closer. “How are you? I was so

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worried.”

He placed the bouquet of white roses on the bedside table with careful movements.

“I brought your favorite white roses,” he said while smiling–a smile that was warm on the surface but didn’t reach his eyes. “I remember you always liked white roses.”

Alina didn’t answer.

Just kept staring at Daniel with eyes full of terror that couldn’t be hidden.

Daniel sat in the chair beside the bed and took Alina’s hand gently.

Alina flinched–her whole body jerked from the touch.

But Daniel didn’t let go. He indeed missed Alina. For him, not seeing her for just one night was already

torture.

“I heard your father came last night,” he whispered in a very low voice–barely above a whisper but every word clear and terrifying. “Did you have an interesting conversation?”

This morning, before going to the hospital, Daniel received a report from Marcus about the visits made by Richard, Emma and Adrian last night.

Daniel felt annoyed. Especially remembering that he wasn’t allowed to see Alina last night. But that annoyance evaporated after hearing Marcus’s report about the judge who had already acted on the report filed by Lisa Brennan.

Alina swallowed with difficulty.

“We… we just talked briefly,” she whispered in a trembling voice. “Papa just wanted to make sure I was okay.”

“Hmm,” Daniel murmured while stroking the back of Alina’s hand with his thumb–a gesture that looked affectionate from outside but felt like a threat. “And what did you tell him? Did you say you were fine?”

“Yes,” Alina whispered.

“Good,” Daniel said in a voice that suddenly became colder. “Because I hope you remember what we talked about before you left home. And I trust you won’t say things you shouldn’t say.”

Alina’s body tensed even more.

Daniel leaned closer–his face only a few inches from Alina’s face.

“By the way, the documents to call your father’s debt are ready,” he whispered in a barely audible voice but full of terrible threat. “One signature from me, and everything’s gone. Hayes house. His business. His reputation. Everything.”

Tears began falling down Alina’s cheeks.

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“So I hope,” Daniel continued in a very calm voice. His hand moved to wipe the tears on Alina’s face.” when doctors or counselors or anyone asks you about the situation at home, you will say the right thing. I don’t want others to see the ugliness in our marriage. And I’m sure you’ll say the right thing, because I love you very much.”

The word love that Daniel spoke sounded terrifying in Alina’s ears. Though once, Alina often hoped Daniel would say it even just once.

“Good morning, Mrs. Blackwood.”

The door suddenly opened.

A young nurse entered with a clipboard and professional smile.

“I’m here to check your vital signs.”

Daniel’s facial expression changed to slightly annoyed. He didn’t like his time with Alina being disturbed by others. But he immediately changed his expression. Showing a devoted husband in the blink of an

eye.

“Please,” Daniel said in a warm and concerned voice. “Please be careful. I don’t want my wife to feel pain.

“Of course,” the nurse answered with a slight blush on her face. “I’ll just check Mrs. Alina’s vital signs.”

Daniel gave space for the nurse to do her work. He watched the nurse’s work carefully. Also making sure Alina’s condition was good.

“Has my wife eaten breakfast this morning?” he asked in a tone full of attention. “I see her tray is still full. Does she need something? Different food? Anything to make her more comfortable?”

The nurse smiled with appreciation.

“Mrs. Blackwood hasn’t eaten much yet,” she answered while putting a blood pressure cuff on Alina’s arm. “But that’s normal for patients with severe morning sickness. We’ve given anti–nausea medication that will hopefully help.”

“Good,” Daniel said while looking at Alina with eyes full of tenderness. “I just want to make sure you and our baby get the best care, darling.”

The nurse noted vital signs efficiently.

“Blood pressure still low but stable,” she said. “Heart rate slightly elevated–maybe because of excitement seeing your husband.”

Daniel smiled thinly.

If only that nurse knew.

Alina’s heart rate was elevated not because of excitement.

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But because of pure terror. Maybe that nurse’s face wouldn’t look as flushed as it was now.

“I’ll come back later to check again,” the nurse said while smiling. “If Mrs. Blackwood needs anything, just press the call button.”

She left–leaving Alina alone with Daniel again.

Daniel sat back down with slow movements.

“See how happy others are to see me as a devoted husband,” Daniel whispered in a voice full of dark

satisfaction. “I want to make that real. So I hope you give me the chance to do that.”

Alina clenched her hands. Not answering Daniel’s words.

“I love you, Alina,” Daniel said while kissing Alina’s clenched hands. “I know I used to neglect you too much, which disappointed me. But I’ve loved you all along. And I won’t let you leave me, for any reason.”

Alina’s tears fell again. Once again, Daniel’s declaration of love felt burdensome. Though once Alina desperately wanted to hear it. But now, Daniel’s love felt so suffocating.

Daniel wiped the tears on Alina’s face, then stood after kissing the top of her head.

“I have to go because I have some work. But I’ll come back later,” he said in a suddenly businesslike voice. “And I hope when I return, you’ve eaten something. For our baby.”

Alina didn’t answer. She just closed her eyes. Feeling the tension when Daniel touched her body.

“Oh, and Alina,” Daniel stroked Alina’s cheek while staring intently into her eyes. A threat visible in his gaze. “Don’t enjoy the ‘freedom‘ here too long. Because once you’re discharged from the hospital, you’ll go home. With me. To our house. And everything will go back to how it was.”

Daniel walked toward the door, then stopped with his hand on the handle.

“I hope you don’t have higher expectations with your presence here.”

The door closed with a soft but very final click.

Alina sat alone with violently trembling hands and tears flowing endlessly.

In the hospital administrator’s office, Dr. Ingrid Halvorsen sat with upright posture but a pale face.

The administrator–a middle–aged man with glasses and an uncomfortable expression–sat across from her with documents on the desk.

“Dr. Halvorsen,” he said in a careful voice. “I called you because there’s a… situation you need to know

about.”

He slid the document over.

“A formal complaint was filed against you last night by a woman named Lisa Brennan. The complaint

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raises serious concerns about bias in your evaluations and your ability to make objective assessments.”

Dr. Halvorsen took the document with steady hands though there was clear shock on her face.

She read quickly–eyes sweeping every word with growing disbelief.

“Lisa Brennan,” she whispered in an unbelieving voice. “That’s a case from five years ago. I followed all protocols. The investigation cleared me of all allegations of wrongdoing.”

“I know,” the administrator answered sympathetically. “And I’m not saying this complaint is valid. But with a formal complaint like this, the Medical Board must investigate. They have no choice.”

Dr. Halvorsen looked at the administrator with very serious eyes.

“And what does that mean for Mrs. Blackwood’s case?” she asked firmly.

The administrator hesitated.

“It means your assessment will be questioned,” he answered reluctantly. “Judge Hartford has already been informed. He will require a second opinion before making any decisions about intervention.”

Dr. Halvorsen felt anger boiling in her chest.

“This is not a coincidence,” she said in a voice full of conviction. “The timing is too perfect. We conducted an assessment yesterday. Ms. Fontaine and I planned to submit the initial report today. And suddenly there’s a complaint against me last night?”

She stood with a sudden movement.

“This is a coordinated attack,” she continued with a voice rising with anger. “Someone–probably Daniel

Blackwood–paid Lisa Brennan to file this complaint. To sabotage our case. To protect himself.”

The administrator raised his hands in a calming gesture.

“Dr. Halvorsen, I understand your frustration,” he said gently. “But you have no proof that Mr. Blackwood is behind this. And accusations like that without evidence could be very damaging to your position.”

Dr. Halvorsen took a deep breath–forcing herself to calm down.

“You’re right,” she said finally in a more controlled voice. “I don’t have proof. Yet. But I will find it.”

She walked to the door with determined steps.

“And in the meantime,” she said while turning to look at the administrator, “Mrs. Alina Blackwood remains in danger. And I won’t stop until she’s safe–whether my credentials are questioned or not.”

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