Arthur pressed my shoulder gently as he stood. "Stay here with your mother," he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear. "Uncle Dubois isn't someone you need to deal with right now."
I nodded, watching as he straightened his tie and smoothed down his already immaculate suit jacket. The subtle shift in his demeanor was fascinating—his shoulders squared, his expression hardened into something unreadable. This was Arthur Sterling, the ruthless businessman everyone feared.
"Will you be okay?" I asked.
"I've handled worse than family patriarchs," he replied with a hint of a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Keep your phone close. I won't be long."
The door clicked shut behind him, and I was left alone with Mrs. Dubois, her breathing steady but shallow. I moved to sit beside her bed, taking her cool hand in mine.
