Time seemed to stop as Nathaniel Ricardo rushed toward us. His face—previously a mask of cold indifference—contorted with panic as he reached the gate.
"Open it!" he barked at the guard. "Now!"
The guard fumbled with the controls. The massive iron gates parted with a metallic groan, and Nathaniel was through them before they'd fully opened.
He dropped to his knees beside us, gently taking Mrs. Margaret from my arms. His hands trembled slightly—the only crack in his otherwise commanding presence.
"Grandmother," he said softly, his voice a stark contrast to the harsh tone he'd used moments ago. "Can you hear me?"
Mrs. Margaret's eyelids fluttered. "Nathaniel... my pills..."
"I've got you." He lifted her effortlessly, cradling her against his chest like she weighed nothing. His eyes met mine briefly—dark, intense, and unreadable—before he turned toward the house.
"Call Dr. Reynolds," he ordered the guard over his shoulder. "Tell him to meet us immediately."
