Vivian did not look at Jason; her eyes remained fixed on me.

She noticed my hand still resting in my pocket, clutching the stolen files and the burner phone.

She looked at the corner of the white envelope sticking out of my cardigan.

“Sarah,” Vivian said, her voice quiet but commanding. “Come to my study.”

“She needs to sign the board papers first, Grandmother,” Jason intervened, stepping forward.

Vivian raised her hand, silencing him instantly.

“I did not ask for your input, Jason,” she said.

She turned her back to us and walked out into the dark hallway, the rhythmic click of her cane fading in the distance.

I looked at Ethan one last time, his face still pale and still under the harsh fluorescent light.

I let go of his hand and turned to follow her.

As I passed Jason, he leaned in, his breath warm and sour against my ear.

“You won’t make it to the morning,” he whispered.

I kept walking, my boots clicking against the hardwood as I followed the faint sound of Vivian’s cane.