"She's running out of time."
Genevieve read the message again.
The photograph showed Margaret sitting beside a window, her silver hair falling over her shoulders. She looked older, thinner, but unmistakably alive.
For twenty-seven years, Genevieve had carried the guilt of abandoning her.
Now Henry was using Margaret's life as leverage.
Her phone rang again.
"Where is she?" Genevieve demanded.
"You know better than to ask questions you cannot afford to have answered."
"Henry, you promised she would be left alone."
"I promised nothing of the sort."
Genevieve clenched her jaw.
"What do you want?"
"The fourth seal. The Blackwood documents. And Clara Delevon."
"Clara will never hand over the seal."
"Then make her understand that Margaret's life depends on it."
The call ended.
Genevieve lowered her phone.
For a long moment, she stood motionless.
Then she opened her contacts and selected Clara's number.
She hesitated.
