“How do you know Hilton sent him?”“Lorne searched the doctor’s private device after noticing changes in my medication. He found payments from a company controlled through VerdaLife.”“Payments can be hidden or sent by someone else.”“There were also instructions,” Selene replied. “The doctor was told when to change my medicine, when to prepare the final injection and what explanation to give after I died.”Ethan’s anger became visible. “Where is the doctor now?”“Lorne detained him before he could administer the final dose.”“Why was I not informed?”“Because we did not know how many people inside the hospital were working with Hilton.”“I should still have been told.”“And what would you have done?”“I would have arrested everyone involved and moved you somewhere safe.”“You would have confronted Hilton.”“Yes.”“That is why Lorne remained silent.”Ethan looked at her in disbelief. “Lorne disobeyed me because he thought I would act too quickly?”“Because he knew you would demand ans

“I have all three.” Selene’s answer came without hesitation. “Leonard met Hilton’s representative more than once. My people recorded one of those meetings and traced the account prepared for him.”Ethan stepped closer. “Why did you not bring those records to me?”“Because you would have arrested Leonard before we identified everyone working with him.” Selene’s eyes became colder. “The moment Hilton learned that Leonard had been exposed, the operation would have changed.”“So you decided to execute him instead.” Ethan’s jaw tightened. “You judged him without allowing me to question him.”“I stopped him before he completed his assignment.” Selene placed a protective hand over her stomach. “His assignment did not end with your death.”Ethan’s anger weakened beneath sudden fear. “What else did he agree to do?”“He agreed to help them kill me.” Selene’s fingers pressed gently against her stomach. “He also agreed that your unborn child had to die.”Ethan stared at her. The silence inside th

“I need answers, Selene,” Ethan demanded. “What does Xavier Group truly control, and why do these powerful people want its chairman dead?”Selene remained in the bedroom doorway. Her smaller bag hung from one hand, while the other rested against the open door. She appeared tired, but Ethan’s question stopped her from leaving.“You believe you already know the answer,” she said. “That confidence is part of the reason you remain vulnerable.”Ethan’s expression hardened. “I know Xavier Group is powerful. It owns hundreds of companies and has investments across Verdanis and other parts of Azaria.”“Do you?” Selene asked. “Or do you only know what appears inside the reports your executives prepare for you?”Ethan controlled his frustration. “Xavier Group operates in technology, banking, energy, construction, transportation and security. It also owns hospitals, hotels and manufacturing companies. I may not know every small investment, but I understand the company I lead.”Selene released th

Ethan did not allow the number to frighten him.He stood quietly near the bedroom door, studying Selene’s face. Fifteen powerful enemies were dangerous, but they were still only fifteen people. They could bleed, lose their influence and watch their empires collapse like anyone else.“If they believe hearing their number will make me hide inside this estate, they have misunderstood me,” Ethan said. His voice was calm, and the anger that had controlled him moments earlier had disappeared. “I will not wait for them to choose where the next attack happens.”Selene watched him carefully. “Acting first does not mean acting blindly.”“I know.” Ethan removed the secure radio from his coat but did not activate it. “I cannot attack fifteen people without confirmed identities. I would expose my investigation and give the guilty ones time to destroy their evidence.”His reaction surprised Selene. She had expected him to demand every name again. Instead, Ethan was already studying the problem like

Two days later, Selene’s departure preparations were complete.A small convoy waited inside the eastern courtyard of Xavier Estate. The vehicles carried no government symbols, and their registration details had been changed. Aztec fighters dressed as private security officers inspected the engines, communication equipment and medical supplies.Ethan watched from the upper corridor as Selene’s belongings were loaded into the second vehicle. He had not tried to stop the arrangements. Her decision had already been made, and he refused to weaken himself by repeating arguments that had ended.A trusted medical team had examined Selene that morning. Ethan had personally checked every doctor’s identity before allowing anyone near her. After what Hilton had done at the federal hospital, no medical qualification was enough without a complete investigation.The senior doctor entered the sitting room with Selene’s medical report. “Madam Selene is exhausted, but her condition has improved. The ch