“I give your boy the antidote, and he lives.”

“He grows up strong, and we both walk away wealthy.”

Lorenzo’s jaw tightened so hard I could hear his teeth grind.

“You will never leave this estate alive, Halloran,” Lorenzo said.

“I think I will,” Julian said.

“Because if I die, the formula for the antidote dies with me.”

“Evan doesn’t know the compound structure.”

Evan shook his head weakly, confirming the claim.

“I only carried the samples,” Evan muttered.

“I don’t know how to synthesize the recovery agent.”

The air in the nursery felt heavy and hot.

The scent of copper from Evan’s blood mixed with the sweet smell of baby powder.

I took a slow, silent step backward, letting my heel touch the edge of the rug.

I needed to get Evan’s attention away from the door and the wardrobe.

I needed to draw him toward the window, away from the hidden panel.

“Evan,” I said softly, keeping my voice gentle.

“You told me you wanted to help.”

“You told me you remembered my daughter.”

Evan looked up, his pale eyes searching my face.