Chapter 3

I sat on the bed, calculating the timeline.

The last time I checked in with Las Vegas was the day before my surgery.

Standard protocol. The family's security team required a check-in via an independent network every seventy-two hours.

Two consecutive missed check-ins triggered an emergency response.

Today was day eight.

That night, Evan came to see me.

He carried a tray into the room, holding a bowl of homemade chicken soup and sliced fruit.

He sat on the edge of the bed and took my hand.

"Mara, are you feeling any better?"

"Much better."

"Don't worry about the company. I've arranged everything."

He paused.

"Oh, by the way. Someone from Las Vegas tried to reach you."

My heart skipped a beat, but my face remained perfectly still.

"Who?"

"Sounded like your father's assistant. I had my assistant handle it."

He stared at my face, searching for a reaction.

"Mara, do you have other business in Vegas?"

"Aren't you the one who knows the company's affairs best?" I asked, looking right back at him.

His expression stiffened for a fraction of a second.

Of course he knew the ins and outs of Lumen Group—he had been quietly siphoning its assets.

He probably thought I was being sarcastic.

Then, he chuckled and ruffled my hair.

"Get some rest. Don't overthink things."

He picked up the empty tray and walked to the door.

"Also, I'll have the doctor come by tomorrow to change your dressings. Don't move around too much. It'll be trouble if that incision tears again."

The door closed.

I stared at the ceiling.

Vegas had noticed the anomaly.

Gabriel Shaw, the assistant, had called Evan directly.

I closed my eyes, a slow smile creeping onto my face.

It wouldn't be long now.