Cecilia's expression froze, tension coiling within her as she processed Asher's demand. Her gaze fell to the ground, Derek's ominous words echoing in her head like the relentless beat of a war drum.
Sensing her mother's turmoil, Rachel gently took Cecilia's hand, "Mom, we know Dad told you something important after he took you to the Nexus Tower. Whatever it is, it can't be anything good. We need to know what he's planning—to stop him before it's too late. Only you can help us."
Cecilia rubbed her fingers together, worry etched deep into her face. She kept her head lowered as she spoke, her voice wavering, "If I tell you, he'll know. He always knows…and I can't even begin to predict how he'd react now that I feel like I can't recognize him anymore. Maybe he already suspects I've gone against him. Maybe we're already—"
