Chapter 49

MADISON'S POV The shrill burring of Michael's phone, insistent, was the only sound that cut through that silent study; I could already smell the storm brew. The stiffening of Michael's face as he looked at the caller display told me all I needed to know. Victor Harrington. Father. He answered with a curt, "Hello.” I stood by the window, hands crossed over my chest as that speaker boomed out my father's voice loud enough to hear in detail every taunting word he said. "Michael, for what in God's name is occurring over there?" I leaned towards the already presuming outcry at the windowsill. "Father, it was only a minor setback, " Michael reported with firm caution in his tone, "Golden K had….” "A minor setback?" Father exploded. I could imagine his face purple, his hands clenched around the receiver as if it was a lifeline. "Do you know, do you know the humiliation I have endured today? Hundreds of our most solid, most steady VIP clients have cancelled their membership, and registered wit