“To the board?” I asked.

“To the people who hold the keys to this empire,” she said. “If Jason suspects you have crossed him, he will accelerate his plans.”

I nodded, feeling a cold knot of dread tighten in my stomach.

“Do not let the night nurse near Ethan’s IV tonight,” she warned. “If she attempts to administer anything, find a way to stop her.”

“I understand,” I said.

I turned and walked back toward the door, my heart hammering against my ribs.

As I opened the door, Vivian called out to me one last time.

“Sarah.”

I looked back over my shoulder.

“Do not trust anyone in this house,” she said. “Not even me.”

I stepped out into the dim hallway and closed the door behind me.

The mansion felt larger now, more predatory, like an animal waiting for the storm to break.

I walked back down the long corridor, my mind racing with the details of the morning board meeting.

Jason would have his presentation ready, his financial forecasts lined up to show the board how much more profitable the company would be under his leadership.