010

Uninvited

"She is not picking up!" Brandon lamented, holding his phone to his ear as he tried Charlotte's number again. The line rang endlessly before disconnecting, leaving a frustrating silence.

Brandon stood, his eyes fixed on the phone, “how do I reach her now? Who can I contact?” He murmured to himself.

Astor, who had been pacing, stopped abruptly. His piercing grey-brown eyes locked on Brandon. “Let me have it,” he said, his tone cold and impatient as he extended his hand for the phone.

Brandon hesitated, but he handed it over. Astor quickly typed the number into his own device, his fingers moving swiftly. He hit the dial,...