“The police and Dr. Hart are at the gate,” I told him.

Benjamin nodded, his face pale and set like stone.

I dialed Marcus Vale’s direct line.

“Marcus, we have an emergency,” I said when he answered.

“Lock down the estate,” Benjamin ordered, leaning close to my phone.

“No one leaves the house, especially not my wife.”

“Understood, sir,” Marcus replied.

“Initiating lockdown now.”

A heavy metallic click echoed through the distant corridors of the mansion.

The security system was engaging, sealing every outer door and gate.

Benjamin turned to the twins, his expression softening for a fraction of a second.

“Stay here with Emma,” he told them, his voice thick with emotion.

“The doctor is coming, and Daddy will be right back.”

Emma nodded, her eyes wide and wet with tears as she held her younger sisters close.

I pulled my thick wool coat off and draped it over the three of them.

Benjamin stood up, his jaw clenched, and walked toward the door.

I followed him down the narrow, unheated corridor of the servants’ quarters.

The air grew warmer as we neared the grand staircase of the main house.