The Game is On

**Michael’s POV**

The message sent to Daniel gave me a twisted satisfaction, but it also filled me with dread. I had underestimated him. His tenacity, his ability to uncover the truth, was threatening everything I had worked so hard to maintain. My grip on Emma, on my plans, was slipping.

I need to act fast.

I pace the floor of my office at the hospital, my mind racing. The sterile smell of disinfectant is nauseating, reminding me of the stolen anesthetics that now threaten to expose me. Daniel’s investigation was closing in on me, and I couldn’t afford any mistakes. The hospital, my shared home with Jessica, and the mansion where Emma is imprisoned—all of it was at risk.

First, I need to secure the mansion. Emma’s presence there is a ticking time bomb. She’s the key to everything, and if Daniel finds her, it’s over. I grab my phone and call the guard stationed at the mansion.

“Double the security,” I bark into the phone. “No one comes or goes without my explicit permission.