CHAPTER EIGHTY THREE – A FRIENDLY VOICE

As she stepped through the doors and into the opulent foyer, Madison was greeted by a deafening silence – a stark contrast to the constant hum of activity that had surrounded her throughout the day. She paused, allowing the stillness to wash over her, and drew in a deep, steadying breath. Without a second thought, she reached into the pocket of her tailored blazer and retrieved her sleek smartphone, her fingers dancing across the screen as she navigated to a familiar contact. The line rang once, twice, before a rich, familiar voice answered on the other end. "Madison? Is everything alright?" The sound of Sebastian's warm baritone was like a soothing balm, instantly calming the frayed edges of her nerves. "Sebastian," she breathed, sinking onto the plush sofa in the parlor. "I... I'm sorry to call so late. I just... I needed to hear a friendly voice." There was a pause, and then Sebastian's voice took on a gentler, more soothing tone. "Madison, you sound utterly exhausted. Why don