The drama unfolds behind the scenes here.

Mara counts the faint, irregular beats. Her eyes dart to the glass of water and the small medicine vial sitting on the nightstand.

MARA

(Voice resolute)

My brother died taking digitalis for a heart condition he was misdiagnosed with. It slows the pulse... until it stops completely.

Damian’s eyes narrow sharply as Mara picks up the glass of water and smells it, then checks the label on the vial.

MARA

(Continuing)

This isn't poison in your food, Mr. Volkov. It’s your daily heart medication. Someone swapped it with a lethal dosage.

[CAMERA QUICK-PAN TO THE BEDROOM DOOR]

Dr. Vance, Damian’s personal physician, steps into the doorway holding a fresh syringe, flanked by two guards. He pauses, noticing Mara beside the bed.

DR. VANCE

(Nervously adjusting his coat)

What is a maid doing in here? Mr. Volkov, it’s time for your evening injection.

Damian looks at the doctor, then down at Lila, who is pointing a small finger directly at Dr. Vance’s coat pocket.

LILA

(Signing gently, then pointing)

Bad man... smell like flowerpot.

Damian’s face turns to ice as he recognizes the gesture.

DAMIAN

(Cold, lethal calm)

Anya’s old hearing device... I hid it in the nightstand twenty years ago. The only person who searched this room while I was unconscious... was you, Vance.

DR. VANCE

(Stammering, taking a step back)

Damian, no! I was looking for your medical records!

DAMIAN

(Glaring at his guards)

Who paid you, Vance? Was it my uncle?

Before Dr. Vance can answer, Damian’s chief guard steps forward and grabs the doctor by the arms, confiscating the syringe and a hidden envelope of cash from his coat.

DR. VANCE

(Screaming as he’s dragged out)

You were supposed to die slowly! Nobody was supposed to notice!

[CAMERA ANGLE: WIDE SHOT - THE BEDROOM]

The door slams shut. Damian sits back against his pillows, exhaling a long, ragged breath. He looks at Mara, then down at Lila, who sits quietly beside his pillow.

DAMIAN

(Softly)

You saved my life, little one.

Lila smiles, reaching out to place her hand over his heart once more.

LILA

(Signing)

Heart go thump-thump now.

Damian reaches out, gently placing his hand over hers—the feared mafia king of Baltimore softening for the first time in decades.

DAMIAN

(To Mara)

You and your daughter stay here. From tonight on... you are under my personal protection.