“I wanted to ensure Ethan wasn’t disturbed by the staff.”

Vivian walked past me, her cane tapping rhythmically on the wood.

She stopped at the foot of the bed.

She stared down at her grandson, her face devoid of warmth.

“He looks pale,” she said.

“The doctor says his condition is deteriorating,” Jason said, stepping into the room behind her.

He stood close to his grandmother’s shoulder.

“The brain activity is minimal.”

“He is not coming back, Grandmother.”

Vivian sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly under the silk robe.

She looked older than her seventy-eight years, but her eyes remained cold and calculating.

“The company cannot survive this uncertainty,” she said.

“The share prices fell another four percent today.”

“The board demands a leader.”

She turned her gaze directly to me.

“Tomorrow morning at nine o’clock, I will sign the papers,” she said.

“I am transferring temporary control of the Thornton empire to Jason.”

“He will take over as acting CEO.”

“Until such time as Ethan recovers.”

“Or passes.”

My heart stopped.

If Jason got full control, he would have the power to move Ethan to a different facility.