“So my daughter was being watched? Like an object?”

Agent Hayes nodded slowly.

“It was standard procedure. But two months ago, something changed. Unauthorized access to her files was detected. Surveillance was increased, but Lily declined protective custody. She didn’t want her life controlled.”

My vision blurred with tears. That was Lily—fierce, independent, unwilling to be boxed in.

Dr. Clarke’s voice trembled.

“The accident… Emily, her brakes were sabotaged. And the bruises—she was restrained before the crash.”

The room felt hollow, stripped of air.

“You’re saying my daughter was murdered.”

No one answered. The silence was thick, crushing.

Agent Hayes finally closed the folder.

“Yes. And we believe you could be next. That’s why we need you to come with us—immediately.”

I stood, shaking, grief sharpening into something dangerous.

“Who did this?”

The agent hesitated.

“The same individuals who targeted Lily. And we believe they may be connected to someone close to you.”

My mouth went dry.

“Who?”

She exhaled slowly.

“We can’t be certain yet. But a name appeared repeatedly in Lily’s encrypted records.”

She slid a document toward me.

My hands went numb when I read it.

My sister’s name.

“My sister?” I whispered. “That’s impossible.”