Dr. Vance nodded slowly, his expression cold.

“I cannot have my professional reputation compromised,” Vance said.

“The board at the hospital is already sensitive,” the doctor added.

“We had an agreement, Ethan,” Daniel said. “You run the family legacy, I handle the growth.”

“But I cannot handle the growth if your grief is letting a maid ruin our biggest deal.”

Ethan stood perfectly still.

The silence in the foyer grew thick.

“Is that a threat, Daniel?” Ethan asked.

“It is a business reality,” Daniel said. “Fire her.”

“Send her packing tonight.”

“And make sure she signs a non-disclosure agreement before she leaves the property.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for Ethan’s reply.

If he agreed, I would lose access to the house, to the records, to everything.

“I will handle it,” Ethan said after a long pause.

“That is not an answer,” Daniel said.

“I said I will handle it,” Ethan repeated, his voice dangerously quiet.

“I will speak to her myself.”

“No,” Daniel said. “I want her gone now. Where is she?”

Daniel looked up toward the stairs.

I shrank back into the darkness of the corridor.