“Her vitals are holding,” she said. “But the next twenty-four hours are critical.”

“He bought her time,” I said, thinking of Ethan’s money.

“Money buys medicine, but it doesn’t buy miracles,” Dr. Rao said.

She looked down at Lauren, who was still drawing on her cup.

“Is the little one eating?” she asked.

“A little,” I said. “She’s waiting for her mother to wake up.”

My phone vibrated in my coat pocket, the harsh buzz startling me.

I pulled it out and saw Paul Raskin’s name on the screen.

I stepped into the hallway before answering.

“Evelyn,” Paul’s voice was tight, stripped of its usual professional calm.

“What is it, Paul? Is Ethan at the office?” I asked.

“He’s here,” Paul said. “But things are falling apart quickly.”

I could hear the muffled sound of traffic and shouting in the background of his call.

“What do you mean?” I asked, leaning against the cold tile wall.

“Richard Vance has called an emergency board meeting,” Paul said.

“Who is Richard Vance?” I asked.

“Ethan’s partner,” Paul said. “The co-founder of Caldwell Group.”