The night passed slowly and torturously. Alina lay in bed with her eyes open, staring at the dark ceiling. Every time her eyes began to feel heavy, Daniel's words echoed in her head—threats about her father, about the destruction of Hayes Corporation, about the eight million dollar debt that could be called at any time. And each time, Alina jolted awake with her heart pounding hard. When dawn finally illuminated the window curtains with dim gray light, Alina still hadn't slept at all. Her body felt heavy—as if filled with lead. Her head throbbed with a dull ache. And her hand—which moved to her stomach with a gesture that had become automatic—trembled with profound exhaustion. The door opened gently. Mrs. Helen entered with a breakfast tray and a face full of worry. "Ma'am," she called in a soft voice. "It's morning. The examination will begin in two hours." Alina didn't respond. She just continued staring at the ceiling with empty eyes. Mrs. Helen set the tray
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