“And those lies just caught up with you.”

Another car, a white sedan with state government plates, pulled up behind the SUVs.

A woman in a dark grey trench coat stepped out, holding a thick leather briefcase.

It was Agent Vance from the State Medical Board’s investigative division.

She walked past the officers and stood next to Detective Miller.

“Daniel Carter,” she called out, her voice loud and formal.

“I am serving you with a warrant for custodial interference and historical financial fraud related to Carter Medical.”

Daniel stared at her, his lips parting slightly.

“The medical board has officially launched an investigation into the clinical trials of the legacy drug,” she continued.

“Your father’s license has been suspended, and the clinic’s records are being seized as we speak.”

The news seemed to hit Daniel like a physical blow.

His hand slid off Lucas’s shoulder, his fingers curling into a tight fist at his side.

Lucas didn’t wait.

He grabbed Mason’s hand and pulled him down the stairs.

They ran down the wet metal steps, their small sneakers splashing through the puddles at the bottom.