Chapter 24

• “Grandfather wants to see you. Now.”
• His tone leaves no room for question. Charlotte freezes, her pulse quickening, and glances helplessly toward Dr. Robert. He responds with a single nod—permission or warning, she can’t quite tell.
• Without another word, Charlotte follows Howard down the hallway. The soles of their shoes echo loudly against the polished floor, each step amplifying the silence between them. At the end of the long corridor, the elevator doors gleam beneath fluorescent lights. Howard hits the button with controlled fury, jaw tight, eyes forward.