Daniel gently supported Emily's head while desperately trying to keep her conscious.
"Stay with me."
Emily weakly reached for his sleeve.
Her fingers barely had the strength to hold on.
Tears rolled down her face as she struggled to speak.
"Don't..."
She gasped painfully.
"...let them leave."
Daniel frowned.
"What?"
Emily looked toward the people still standing silently at the top of the staircase.
Fear filled her eyes.
She knew exactly who had pushed her.
She simply didn't have the strength to say the name.
Daniel slowly followed her gaze.
Several guests suddenly looked nervous.
One couple quietly stepped backward toward the mansion's massive front entrance.
That was all Daniel needed to see.
He carefully laid Emily against his shoulder before standing.
His voice thundered through the enormous hall.
"Close the doors!"
The command echoed across the mansion.
Security guards immediately rushed to every exit.
Heavy wooden doors slammed shut.
The sound shook the entire estate.
Guests gasped as they realized no one was being allowed to leave.
Daniel turned back toward the silent crowd.
His expression had completely changed.
"This wasn't an accident."
His cold voice sent chills through the room.
"Whoever pushed her..."
He looked directly at the frightened guests.
"...is still standing among us."
The ballroom became silent once again.
This time...
Not because of fear.
But because everyone understood the celebration had just become the scene of a criminal investigation.
And before the night was over...
One guest would leave the mansion in handcuffs instead of a limousine.