“We are running out of time,” Sofia said, her voice rising in panic.

“Where is Dr. Voss?” I asked, looking at Marcus.

“She is on her way,” Marcus said, checking his watch. “She must use the service entrance by the greenhouse.”

“If anyone sees her, Luca will know we are onto him,” Sofia said.

“She knows the risks,” Marcus said. “She has treated the family in secret before.”

I looked down at the documents again, my heart hammering against my ribs.

Luca had not just stolen money; he had signed Alexander’s death warrant.

If Alexander died tonight, the forged documents would transfer complete control of the empire to Luca.

The legal paperwork was already filed, waiting only for a death certificate.

“We have to hide these,” I said, closing the ledger.

“No,” Marcus said. “Leave them out. If Voss arrives, she will need to know exactly what toxin was used.”

“How would these papers tell us that?” Sofia asked.

“Look at the dates of the transfers,” Marcus said, pointing to the ledger.

“The largest transfer was made three days ago,” he explained.