I was still reeling from my encounter with Ethan when my phone buzzed. It was Daniel Frost, his voice tinged with worry.
"Natalia, I need your help," he said without preamble. "My mother's injured her hand at work. She needs to go to the hospital, but we can't leave the old lady she cares for alone. Could you possibly...?"
"Of course," I replied without hesitation. Despite everything in my life, I couldn't turn my back on a friend in need. "Tell your mother to go to the hospital. I'll be there as soon as I can."
After making arrangements for Leo with Ms. Smith, I rushed to the address Daniel provided. It was a grand old house that spoke of old money and long-held power. I was struck by the elegant, if slightly dated, decor as I entered.
The old lady, Mrs. Chen, was a tiny, fr
