Chapter 12
It Wasn't Luck, It Was You
The heavy silence in the hall broke when the main doors swung open.
Every head turned as Grandmother Halton walked in, leaning lightly on her daughter in law's arm. Relief rippled through the room.
Mr. Halton stepped forward, his voice cutting through the quiet. "Mother, how's your condition?" The question was direct, meant for her, but his eyes briefly scanned the room, silently commanding everyone's attention.
She offered a faint smile and patted his arm.
"I'm fine, Haris. A little tired, but the doctors say I'm past the worst of it." Her eyes found mine. "They said whoever acted first did so at exactly the right moment, it prevented things from getting worse."
She spoke quietly for a moment longer with her son while the rest of the room held its breath.
Mr. Halton nodded, his expression unreadable but his posture slightly less rigid. He turned to address the gathered guests, his voice resonating with quiet authority.
