Andre's POV
The moment I walked out of my office, my phone erupted in a shrill ring. I almost let it go to voicemail, but the caller ID made me freeze.
Mother.
"Mom?" I answered immediately.
"Andre... your stepdad... he had a heart attack."
The words hit me like a physical blow. My body went rigid.
"What did you say?"
"He collapsed this morning without warning. The paramedics just took him away... Andre, I'm terrified. You need to come now. Please..."
My pulse hammered against my throat.
"I'm coming," I said, already sprinting toward the elevator.
But her voice continued, shaking with raw fear.
"Before he lost consciousness... he kept saying Meryl's name. He repeated it over and over. I believe... I believe he needs to see her before..."
My fingers crushed the phone. My chest constricted.
"Mom... I'll be right there."
Her sobs grew more desperate. "He needs her with him. Please, Andre, if you have any idea where she might be... bring her before it's too late."
