CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE - Unraveling the Web of Lies

The stress began to take its toll, especially on Ella. She barely slept, spending her nights poring over invoices and security footage, trying to find some clue as to how their event had been sabotaged. During the day, she was on the phone constantly, alternating between soothing irate customers and pleading with suppliers not to abandon them. It was Lucas who first noticed the toll it was taking on her. One morning, he found her slumped over the kitchen table, her face pale and drawn, a half-empty cup of cold coffee at her elbow. "Ella," he said gently, shaking her awake. "You need to rest." She blinked up at him, her eyes unfocused. "Can't... too much to do..." But as she tried to stand, her legs gave way beneath her. Lucas caught her, alarm flooding his features as he felt the heat radiating from her skin. "That's it," he said firmly. "You're going to bed, and I'm calling Dr. Thompson." Despite her weak protests, Lucas scooped Ella into his arms and carried her to their bedroo