The ballroom was thrown into chaos.
"Someone took the DNA samples?"
"How is that possible?"
"This is getting out of control…"
Voices rose all around as the guests struggled to understand what had just happened.
Emily stood frozen.
Her heart was pounding.
Someone had stopped the test.
Someone didn't want the truth to come out.
Alexander's expression darkened instantly.
"Seal the gates," he ordered coldly.
"Do not allow anyone to leave this estate."
"Yes, sir," the security team responded immediately.
Within seconds, guards moved into position.
The atmosphere shifted.
What had started as a glamorous gala had now turned into something far more dangerous.
Alexander turned to the staff member.
"Where is the doctor now?"
"He's been taken to the hospital," the man replied nervously. "He's unconscious."
Emily's stomach tightened.
"This… wasn't an accident," she whispered.
Alexander looked at her.
"No," he said quietly.
"It wasn't."
Across the room, Sophia's face had gone pale.
But she quickly regained her composure.
"This has nothing to do with me," she said defensively.
No one responded to her.
Instead, all eyes slowly turned toward the grandfather.
The old man stood silently for a moment.
Then he spoke.
"Whoever did this…"
His voice was calm, but there was a dangerous edge to it.
"…does not want this family's secrets revealed."
Daniel stepped forward slightly.
"Or," he added thoughtfully, "they're afraid of what the results might show."
Alexander's eyes narrowed.
"You seem very interested in this situation."
Daniel gave a faint smile.
"I told you. I follow interesting things."
Alexander didn't look convinced.
Meanwhile, Emily's mind was racing.
If someone had gone this far…
Caused an accident.
Stolen evidence.
Then this wasn't just about family secrets anymore.
This was serious.
Very serious.
The grandfather turned toward the head of security.
"Check every camera."
"Review all footage from the past two hours."
"I want to know who left this estate… and who shouldn't have."
"Yes, sir."
The man immediately walked away to carry out the orders.
A heavy silence followed.
Then suddenly—
A voice spoke from behind Emily.
"You should be careful."
Emily turned quickly.
It was Daniel.
Standing much closer than before.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
Daniel lowered his voice slightly.
"If what we suspect is true…"
His gaze sharpened.
"…then you're not just Alexander's wife."
Emily felt her breath catch.
"You're a threat to someone."
A chill ran down her spine.
"A threat?" she repeated.
Daniel nodded slightly.
"Yes."
He glanced around the room.
"There are people who would do anything to keep the past buried."
Before Emily could respond—
Alexander stepped between them.
"Stay away from her."
His tone left no room for argument.
Daniel raised his hands slightly.
"No harm intended."
But his eyes lingered on Emily for a moment longer before he stepped back.
Sophia watched the entire exchange from across the room.
Her expression was tense.
Nervous.
Almost fearful.
For the first time…
She didn't look like she was in control anymore.
Meanwhile, the grandfather slowly walked toward the center of the ballroom again.
"This gala is over," he announced firmly.
"Everyone will leave under supervision."
The guests began to move, whispering anxiously as they exited.
One by one, the grand hall started to empty.
But the tension remained.
Because everyone knew—
This wasn't the end.
It was just the beginning.
Emily turned to Alexander.
"What happens now?"
Alexander looked at her seriously.
"We find out who did this."
He paused.
"And why they're afraid of you."
Emily's heart began to race again.
Because deep down…
She had a feeling.
This mystery was about to pull her into something far bigger than she ever imagined.
And somewhere in the shadows—
Someone was already watching her.