The punishment

"Elsa…" Samuel held her hand, trying to comfort her. But before he could say anything further, his phone rang. "Wait a moment."

Retrieving his phone from his pocket, he noticed Sebastian's number flashing on the screen. His demeanor stiffened, realizing that he would likely face his boss' ire for acting impulsively. With a determined breath, he swiped the screen to answer the call.

"Hello," he said, steeling his heart.

"Drop Elsa home and come meet me," Sebastian's authoritative voice commanded.

Beep

Samuel stared at the phone, momentarily dumbfounded. He glanced up at Elsa, his heart racing. "Boss wants to talk to me," he said, licking his lips nervously. "I need to go."

"Is everything alright?" Elsa asked, a fear creeping into her thoughts that Sebastian might have discovered her brother's involvement with Ella.