"That is understandable. A nurse will help arrange a quiet place for her to rest."
Daniel asked the question that had been troubling him.
"Is Elena going to recover?"
The doctor paused.
"We are doing everything we can. I don't want to give you false reassurance before we have the full results."
Daniel thanked him.
The doctor returned to the treatment area.
Lily looked up.
"What did he say?"
"Your mother is receiving help."
"Can I see her?"
"Not yet."
Lily lowered her head.
Daniel sat beside her.
He noticed that she was becoming increasingly tired.
"Would you like something to eat?"
She shook her head.
"Maybe some juice?"
Another shake.
"Are you sure?"
Lily looked at him.
"I don't want anything."
Then she whispered:
"I want my mommy to read me a story."
Daniel swallowed.
"What story?"
"The one about the little bird."
"Tell me about it."
Lily began speaking slowly.
"Mommy says there was a little bird who lost its way. It was afraid because the sky was very big and it couldn't find its nest."
Daniel listened.
"Then what happened?"
"An old tree let the bird sleep in its branches. And in the morning, the bird found its way home."
Lily looked toward the emergency doors.
"Mommy always says that when I'm afraid, I should remember that I'm never really alone."
She paused.
"But who helps Mommy when she's afraid?"
Daniel had no answer.
He simply wrapped his arm around the little girl.
While Daniel waited at the hospital, Vanessa was still at the ballroom.
Most of the guests had already left.
The event organizers were collecting decorations, removing tablecloths, and cleaning the floor.
Vanessa stood near the entrance with her phone in her hand.
She had received dozens of messages.
Some guests were asking what had happened.
Others wanted to know whether Elena was alive.
A few were already discussing the possibility that the incident would become public.
Vanessa ignored most of them.
She was focused on one message.
WE HAVE A PROBLEM. SOMEONE SAW EVERYTHING.
She typed quickly.
WHO?
The reply came almost immediately.
THE WAITER. THE ONE WHO WAS STANDING NEAR THE STAGE.
Vanessa closed her eyes.
She remembered the young man.
She remembered the way he had refused her money.
That was unusual.
Most people had a price.
Some wanted money.
Others wanted promotions, favors, or social connections.
But a person who refused all of those things was much harder to control.
Her phone rang.
Richard.
Vanessa answered.
"Where are you?" he asked.
"At the ballroom."
"What happened?"
She hesitated.
"Elena came."
There was silence.
Then Richard spoke in a low voice.
"Elena?"
"Yes."
"What did you do?"
Vanessa's expression hardened.
"Why are you asking me that?"
"Because you told me she would never come near us again."
"I didn't invite her."
"Did anyone see her?"
"Everyone saw her."
Richard exhaled sharply.
"Vanessa, what happened?"
"She started an argument."
"And?"
"She fell."
Another silence.
Then Richard asked:
"Was Lily there?"
Vanessa looked toward the entrance.
"Yes."
Richard's voice changed.
"Was the little girl hurt?"
"No."
"Where is she?"
"Daniel took her to the hospital."
Richard said nothing for several seconds.
Then he spoke.
"Listen carefully. Do not speak to anyone about this until I arrive."
Vanessa laughed bitterly.
"You always say that."
"Because you never think before acting."
Her eyes widened.
"Excuse me?"
"Not now, Vanessa."
He ended the call.
Vanessa stood motionless.
For years, she had believed she was the most powerful person in her marriage.
But Richard had a way of making her feel like a problem he needed to manage rather than a person he needed to love.
She looked toward the ballroom.
Then she whispered:
"Everything was supposed to be perfect."
But perfection was already gone.
At the hospital, Lily had finally fallen asleep.
Daniel sat beside her, looking through the messages on his phone.
He had received a call from an unfamiliar number.
He almost ignored it.
But something made him answer.
"Hello?"
A man spoke quietly.
"Mr. Hayes?"
"Yes."
"You don't know me, but I was at the gala tonight."
Daniel immediately became alert.
"Who are you?"
"I work there."
"Are you the waiter?"
The man hesitated.
"Yes."
Daniel stood and moved a little farther away from Lily.
"What did you see?"
"I saw what happened before Elena fell."
Daniel looked toward the hospital doors.
"Tell me."
The waiter took a deep breath.
"I don't want to get involved."
"Then why did you call?"
"Because I saw the little girl crying. I keep thinking about her."
Daniel remained silent.
The waiter continued.
"I saw Vanessa arguing with Elena. They were standing near the table with the champagne glasses."
"And?"
"Vanessa was very angry."
"Did she touch Elena?"
There was a pause.
"I don't want to say something I can't prove."
Daniel appreciated the honesty.
"That's fair. But if you witnessed something important, you should tell the police."
"I know."
"Then why are you afraid?"
The waiter lowered his voice.
"Because the Sterling family has influence. People who work for them don't usually question what they say."
Daniel understood.
He had seen powerful people use their influence to silence ordinary employees.
He knew how frightening it could be to stand against someone who could destroy your career with a single phone call.
"Listen to me," Daniel said. "You don't have to face anyone alone. If you witnessed something, write down exactly what you remember. Don't exaggerate. Don't leave anything out. And don't accept money from anyone."
The waiter remained silent.
Then he said:
"There's something else."
"What?"
"Elena was carrying something when she arrived."
Daniel frowned.
"What was it?"
"A small envelope."
"Did you see what was inside?"
"No. But I heard her say something."
"What?"
The waiter hesitated.
"She told Vanessa that the truth was inside the envelope."
Daniel felt a chill.
"What truth?"
"I don't know."
"Did Vanessa take it?"
"I think so."
Daniel looked toward the waiting room.
"Are you certain?"
"I saw something fall near the table after the argument. But when I returned, it was gone."