The surgeon's face was unreadable as he approached us. My heart slammed against my ribs, and I couldn't breathe.
"Mrs. Hayes is stabilized," he announced. "She suffered a severe cardiac episode, but we've managed to control the situation."
Relief flooded through me, making my knees weak. Arthur's hand found the small of my back, steadying me.
"She's not out of danger yet," the surgeon continued, "but the immediate threat has passed. We'll be moving her to the cardiac ward for monitoring."
Mr. Dubois, who had been listening with rigid attention, suddenly crumpled. His knees buckled, and he would have hit the floor if Felix hadn't caught him.
"It's the stress," the doctor explained as attendants rushed to help. "He's been standing here for hours, probably hasn't eaten. Get him some water and something to eat."
As they helped Mr. Dubois to a nearby chair, Fiona's gaze locked on mine. Her eyes narrowed to slits.
