Eliana hesitated, her hand trembling as she reached for the phone.

Ethan, concerned about her comfort while on the call, offered to hold the sleeping child on his shoulder, reassuring her, "I'll just hold her while you take the call. I won't go anywhere."

Knowing Ethan was Samuel's most trusted assistant, Eliana felt safe letting him hold her daughter.

She turned away with the call to answer. The moment she said hello, Samuel’s voice came through, cold and distant. ...