“It is a slow-acting poison, designed to mimic natural heart failure.”

Lucian’s fingers clenched into a fist on the desk.

The wood creaked under his grip.

“Someone is altering her daily saline bags,” my mother’s voice continued.

“I confronted the head of security, Victor Sinclair, with the lab results this morning.”

“I thought he would want to protect her.”

“Instead, he threatened me.”

“He told me that if I went to Lucian, my daughter Mara would pay the price.”

“He said he has eyes on her at the restaurant, and she would not survive the night.”

“I am going to try to neutralize the toxin tonight with an antidote I synthesized.”

“If I cannot, and if something happens to me, please.”

“Save my daughter.”

The recording ended with a sharp, hollow click.

The room fell into a suffocating silence.

The rain outside seemed louder now, drumming against the glass.

“He threatened you,” Lucian said.

His voice was dangerously quiet.

“He used me to keep her quiet,” I said, tears blurring my vision.

“She didn’t abandon Elena. She was trying to save her.”