The line crackled again as Luke switched the calls, but my line remained connected as a third party.

The audio became faint but audible, a low hiss under the voices.

“Luke,” a deep, gravelly voice spoke.

It was Arthur Mercer.

Even through the small phone speaker, his voice carried a weight that made the room feel cold.

“Father,” Luke said.

“I see you are neglecting your duties at the office today,” Arthur said.

“I am taking care of personal matters,” Luke replied.

“Your personal matters are becoming an expensive distraction,” Arthur said, his voice flat.

“I suggest you stop looking into Elena’s accounts.”

“Immediately.”

“She is no longer a Mercer.”

“And if you wish to remain the Chief Executive Officer of Mercer Holdings, you will leave her to her own devices.”

“Is that a threat?” Luke asked.

“It is a business decision,” Arthur said.

“You have ten minutes to return to the office, or I will have the board call an emergency meeting to discuss your replacement.”

The line went dead with a harsh, final click.

I stared at the phone on my bed, the silence in the hospital room suddenly deafening.