CHAPTER 2 — THE CHILD WHO SAW TOO MUCH
The ballroom erupted into chaos.
Before anyone could react, Gabriel Voss calmly lifted one hand.
"Nobody leaves."
His voice was quiet.
It didn't need to be loud.
Within seconds, every exit was sealed by plainclothes security officers who had blended into the crowd moments earlier.
The four Japanese guests exchanged almost invisible glances.
One reached casually toward his jacket.
He never finished.
A security officer intercepted him before his fingers touched the pocket.
Meanwhile, another officer carefully collected the shattered crystal glass.
"Don't touch the liquid," Gabriel ordered.
Bridget held Lila tightly against her.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "She didn't mean to interrupt—"
Gabriel looked directly at the little girl.
"What exactly did you hear?"
Lila swallowed.
"They said the poison wouldn't taste like anything."
"They said your bodyguard would think it was a heart attack."
The ballroom became deathly silent.
One of the detained men suddenly tried to run.
He made it three steps before security tackled him onto the marble floor.
Police officers, already stationed nearby for the high-profile gala, rushed into the ballroom.
Within minutes, the suspected poison was secured for forensic testing.
As detectives escorted the suspects away, Gabriel turned back toward Lila.
"You understand Japanese?"
She nodded.
"I... I read lips."
Bridget looked down in shock.
"Lila..."
"I never told you because everyone says it's weird."
Gabriel studied the child carefully.
May you like
For the first time that night, his expression softened.
"You just saved my life."
