7

NORA’S POV

I didn't know what to say to him after that. Adrian had made it clear that he wouldn't let the baby die, but he still hadn't said anything about changing the contract. I looked away from him, wondering how many more things I would have to fight for.

He placed the documents on the bedside table and pulled the chair closer. “You need to rest. Dr. Hallam will come back later to check on you,” he said, looking at the untouched food beside me. I nodded, although I knew resting wouldn't stop me from thinking about everything.

“Are you going to tell me what happened to the person who poisoned my supplements?” I asked, turning towards him. His expression changed slightly. “We're looking into it,” he answered. “Who is we?” I asked. “Adrian, someone tried to kill our baby. I think I deserve to know what's happening.”

He leaned back in his chair. “The investigation is being handled privately. I've questioned the people who had access to your medication, and my security team is checking everything.” I frowned at his answer. “So you already have suspects?” He looked at me. “I have three people I need answers from.”

Before I could ask who they were, someone knocked. Adrian stood and opened the door, speaking quietly to one of the guards outside. I couldn't hear everything, but I caught the words increased security and restricted access. When he returned, I noticed he had become even more serious.

“What's going on outside?” I asked, watching him sit down again. “Nothing you need to worry about.” I gave him a look. “There are guards outside my door, and nobody seems comfortable around me anymore. You can't seriously expect me not to notice.”

He rubbed his forehead. “Nobody is allowed to enter your room without permission until we know who did this.” I stared at him. “So I'm a prisoner now?” He shook his head. “You're under protection.” I almost laughed. It sounded better than prisoner, but it didn't feel very different.

Later that afternoon, Dr. Hallam came to check on me. He examined my temperature, listened to my heartbeat, and asked whether I had experienced any pain. After finishing, he placed his medical bag beside the chair. I could tell he had something else to discuss with me.

“There's something I think you should understand about what happened,” he said, opening his bag. I adjusted my position. “Please tell me.” He brought out a small sealed container. “The wolfsbane wasn't mixed into your drink. It was found in the powder inside your supplement capsules.”

I looked at him, confused. “What does that mean?” I asked. He placed the container on the table. “It means someone opened or tampered with the supplements before you took them. This wasn't a case of someone giving you the wrong medication by mistake.”

My stomach tightened. “So someone deliberately put it there?” I asked, staring at the container. Dr. Hallam nodded. “That's what the evidence suggests. The capsules were supposed to contain your prenatal blend. Someone added wolfsbane to the powder, and you swallowed it without knowing.”

I pressed my hand against my stomach. “Who would do something like that?” I whispered. Dr. Hallam didn't answer immediately. “That's what Adrian is trying to find out. For now, don't take anything that hasn't been checked by me personally. Not even something as simple as a vitamin.”

His warning reminded me of something Odile had said at the council gathering. She had warned me not to eat or drink anything I hadn't watched being prepared. At the time, I thought she was simply being difficult. Now I couldn't stop wondering whether she had known something.

“Doctor, can I ask you something?” I said, looking at him. He nodded. “Of course.” I hesitated before continuing. “An older woman warned me about accepting food or medication from people here. Her name is Odile. Do you think she knew this could happen?”

Dr. Hallam closed his bag. “I can't say that without evidence, Miss Vance. But if she said something specific, you should tell Adrian.” I nodded slowly. I wasn't sure whether Odile had been warning me or whether I was simply looking for answers where there might be none.

After the doctor left, I tried to sleep, but the strange feeling in my chest wouldn't go away. The estate had never felt completely welcoming, but now I found myself watching every person who entered my room. Even the maids seemed uncomfortable whenever our eyes met.

One of them came in later to change the flowers. She greeted me politely, arranged the vase, and left without saying much. I watched her walk away, remembering how I used to move around the estate without thinking twice about who was handling my things. Those days were clearly over.

A little while later, Celeste walked in carrying a tray of food. She looked better than she had the previous night, although her eyes were still slightly swollen. “I brought you something fresh. You need to eat if you're going to get your strength back,” she said, placing the tray down.

“Thank you,” I replied, sitting up slightly. She smiled and began arranging the plates. However, I noticed that she checked the food before bringing it closer to me. She lifted the lid, examined the soup, and even checked the glass of water. I watched her without saying anything.

“Are you checking everything before I eat?” I asked, looking at her hands. Celeste paused briefly before smiling. “After what happened, I don't think we can be too careful.” She adjusted the tray and pushed it closer. “You need to get better. The baby needs you to be strong.”

I looked at the food but didn't reach for it. “Should I be worried about the people living in this estate?” I asked. Celeste's smile faded a little. “Adrian will find whoever did this. You don't have to worry about everyone around you,” she answered.

“That's easy to say when I don't even know who I can trust,” I replied. She pulled the chair closer to the bed. “I understand you're frightened, Nora, but making yourself suspicious of everybody won't help you recover.” I looked at her, wondering why she seemed so interested in calming me.

“Did you notice anyone touching my supplements before I collapsed?” she asked, keeping her voice gentle. I frowned. “Why are you asking?” She shrugged. “I'm only trying to help. If you remember anything, it might make it easier for Adrian to find the person responsible.”

I thought for a moment. “I remember seeing one of the maids arranging the supplements near my room. I don't remember her name, though.” Celeste immediately leaned forward. “What did she look like?” she asked. Her interest was sudden enough to make me look at her more carefully.

“She was young, I think. Dark hair, and she usually wore her hair tied back,” I answered, trying to remember her face. Celeste nodded slowly. “Was she tall? Did she have a mark on her face?” Before I could answer, the door opened behind her.

Adrian walked in, his eyes moving from Celeste to me before settling on the untouched tray. “What's going on here?” he asked, closing the door. Celeste stood up calmly. “I was just checking on Nora and making sure she's eating properly,” she replied, straightening her dress.

Adrian didn't look convinced. His attention remained on the tray. “Who prepared this food?” he asked, his voice suddenly colder. Celeste glanced at the plates before looking back at him. For the first time since she entered, her expression seemed to change.

“I did, Adrian. Unless you think I would poison her too?” she asked, holding his gaze.