You dont have to look.


    Matthew sighed deeply, his voice low.


    This is Dens message to us, a grim warning.


    Youve never witnessed death so closely.


    Dont let him manipte your emotions.


    He wants to demonstrate that with a mere word, he can control fate.


    A wave of fear surged through Ste, more intense than anything she had ever felt.


    She was rmingly close to the grim reality of death.


    Matthew held her close, guiding her cautiously away from the unfolding chaos.


    Just then, Fernando arrived, shielding Be as they approached.


    Bes face was ghostly pale, and she seemed visibly shaken by the ordeal.


    Meanwhile, Howard took charge, addressing the anxious crowd with a forced calm.


    Everyone, please, remain calm.


    This was a tragic ident, he said, managing a weak smile.


    Lindsay had only recently recovered from a leg injury.


    It seems she slipped while climbing the stairs.


    Perhaps its time to consider remodeling the staircases of this castle. Who knows who might be the next to need a wheelchair? We will handle this situation with all due haste.


    Though Howards exnation seemed far-fetched, his presence in a wheelchair added an odd Layer of usibility to his words.


    The guests, still rattled, shared their condolences for Lindsay and reminded one another to tread carefully on the stairs.


    Ste finally opened her eyes, and the horrific sight that met her was Lindsays lifeless body.


    It was syed grotesquely on the floor, surrounded by a stark pool of blood.


    Even though Ste had never been fond of Lindsay, she would never have wished harm upon her, let alone death.


    Her hand flew to her mouth as a wave of nausea rolled through her, threatening to overtake her.


    Her breath came in sharp gasps, and the edges of her vision turned crimson as if her anger and grief were coloring the world itself.


    Den approached the scene with maddening nonchnce, his steps unhurried, his expression untouched by even a flicker of remorse.


    His gaze swept over Lindsays lifeless body with the detached indifference one might show a broken vasean object discarded, not a life extinguished.


    It was all too clear; this was his way of sending a message.


    To Ste and everyone else.


    He wanted them to know just how easily he could snuff out a life, like blowing out a candle, and no one would dare hold him ountable.


    Fury ignited in Ste, hot and consuming.


    She jabbed a finger in Dens direction, her voice trembling with rage.


    You killed her, she spat, her usation slicing through the heavy silence.


    Her eyes snapped to Sanford, narrowing with suspicion. And you, were you in on this too? Sanford opened his mouth, fumbling for words, but they stuck in his throat like a fishbone.


    Under Stes fiery gaze, his defenses crumbled.


    He knew what Ste was thinking.


    To her, being part of Dens family made him guilty by association.


    Den, as cool as ever, shrugged off her words with an infuriating calm.


    His voice, smooth and venomous, coiled around the room.


    Lindsay fell.


    An ident, in and simple.


    But if youre so desperate to point fingers, Ste, maybe start with yourself.


    Shes dead because of you.


    His voice held a sly, insidious edge, skillfully crafted to distort the truth and nt seeds of doubt in her mind.


    Before.


    Ste could respond, Matthew stepped in, his hands firm on her shoulders as he gently turned her to face him.


    His voice was low but unwavering, carrying the weight of his conviction.


    Dont buy into his lies.


    Hes just spinning a web to trap you.


    Lindsays death is on him, not you. His words were steadying, like an anchor in a storm, and Ste felt the fire in her veins cool, just a little.


    She nodded, her voice calm but unyielding.


    I know what hes doing.


    Hes using the bad blood between me and Lindsay to try and break me.


    But he wont.


    Not this time.


    Matthews grip on Stes hand tightened briefly, and he leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper meant only for her.


    If things go south, grab Be and follow Fernando.


    Dont stop for anything.


    Just get out.


    Ill handle the rest.


    A jolt of panic shed across Stes face.


    She grabbed his arm, her voice urgent.


    What about you? Matthew gave Ste a faint smile, though the tension in his jaw betrayed his calm exterior.


    Gently prying her fingers from his arm, he said, I know what Im doing.


    Trust me.