“We cannot vote on the transfer under these circumstances,” Arthur Pendelton said, setting the papers down. “If there is any truth to these allegations of medical tampering, the entire board could face criminal liability.”

“The deadline is tonight!” Jason slammed his fist on the table, making the banker lamps rattle. “If we do not sign the executorship over to me by midnight, the banking syndicate will call in the loans. The company will collapse!”

“The company will survive a delay,” Pendelton replied coldly. “We need an independent medical evaluation of Ethan. Immediately.”

Jason’s chest heaved as he stared at the lawyer, then at me.

“You’ve ruined everything,” he hissed, his voice so quiet only I could hear it.

The grandfather clock in the corner of the library began to chime.

The deep, resonant tones marked the arrival of midnight.

One.

Two.

Three.

I held my breath, my heart racing as I waited for the final chime.

Four.

Five.

Six.

The storm outside seemed to pause, the wind dropping to a low whistle.

Seven.

Eight.

Nine.

Jason reached for the papers on the table, his fingers twitching.