Chapter 107: Richard calls his father

Richard Madison took a deep breath as he stared at his phone, the name "Father" glowing on the screen. It had been years since he last spoke to James Madison, his estranged father. Their relationship had become strained and distant after the death of Richard's mother, each man grieving in his way and allowing resentments to fester until communication dwindled to radio silence. But now, with the White family in crisis and desperate measures required, Richard knew he needed to bury the hatchet, if only temporarily. His father still wielded considerable influence in certain circles, connections that could prove invaluable in counteracting the forces seemingly aligning against the Whites. It was a long shot but one Richard felt compelled to take. With a tap of his finger, he initiated the call, his jaw clenched as it rang once, twice, and three times. Just as he began to fear it would go to voicemail, the line clicked, and a gruff, achingly familiar voice broke the silence. "Richa