Melissa stared directly at her. “You said Lily was not your problem.”

Silence fell instantly. A reporter raised her microphone. “Mrs. Brennan, did you send that message while your granddaughter was in emergency surgery?”

Patricia opened her mouth. Nothing came out.

Upstairs, Daniel watched the live coverage without expression.

Chapter 5 — The Senator

At 10:41, Senator Rebecca Chase arrived through a restricted entrance. She wore no makeup, and her eyes were swollen from crying. Owen walked beside her carrying a folded piece of paper.

He had suffered mild smoke inhalation and wore a bandage above his eyebrow. When he entered Lily’s room, he went very quiet.