Nora scrambled backward on the stage, her knees shaking as she pushed herself up from the floor. She looked at Evelyn with wide, terrified eyes, unable to speak another word. Without waiting for the media or the security guards to move, she turned around and ran out of the ballroom, her dark heels clicking frantically against the marble floor.

Julian watched her flee, his expression unreadable. He placed his warm hand on Evelyn's shoulder, leaning in close. "She will bring them to you. A woman like Nora will trade anything to save her own child."

Evelyn nodded silently, her heart beating fast in her chest.

The next morning at eight...