“Get off my property, Michael,” I said, starting to close the door.

“Think about Daniel, Elizabeth,” Michael said quickly, his hand stopping the door from closing.

The mention of my brother’s name made me freeze.

“What does Daniel have to do with this?” I asked.

Michael smiled, but his eyes remained cold and calculating.

“Daniel is very loyal to this family,” Michael said.

“Especially when his financial survival depends on it.”

He pulled his hand back, leaving me staring at him through the narrow opening.

“Call me when you’re ready to talk,” Michael said, turning toward the elevator.

I closed the door and locked it.

My phone rang again.

This time, the caller ID showed Daniel’s name.

The phone vibrated against my palm, a dull hum that felt like a low-voltage shock.

Daniel’s name blinked on the screen in bright white letters.

I slid my thumb across the glass and pressed the phone to my ear.

“Daniel,” I said.

My voice sounded thinner than I wanted it to be.

“Liz, thank God you picked up,” Daniel said.