Bernard's POV
I was still processing the explosive confrontation with Cassandra when my laptop screen suddenly illuminated, displaying an incoming video call. Sebastian's name appeared on the display, and I clicked accept without hesitation.
The moment his image loaded, alarm shot through my system like ice water. Sebastian wasn't positioned in his usual spotless executive office where our business calls typically took place. Instead, he appeared to be in some kind of bedroom. Children's toys were visible scattered behind him, and he looked completely drained. Purple shadows carved deep hollows beneath his eyes, and stress radiated from every line of his posture.
"Sebastian, what's wrong?" I demanded before he could speak.
