CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

"Meet me at Roosevelt Club," Daniel's voice thundered through the phone, his tone devoid of warmth. The silence that followed was deafening, leaving me with a sense of agitation that made my heart race.

Carl's eyes, filled with concern, locked onto mine. "What did he say?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle. I relayed Daniel's curt message, and Carl's eyebrows furrowed in inquiry. "Why do you think he wants to meet you there?" he asked with curiosity written all over his face.

I shrugged, my shoulders trembling slightly. "I don't know," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. Carl's eyes seemed to bore into my soul.

"I'll go with you," he offered, his voice firm and resolute. His eyes, filled with a deep empathy, seemed to say, 'I'm here for you, no matter what.' I felt a lump form in my throat, touched by his unwavering support.

"Thanks, Carl," I replied, my voice cracking slightly. "But I think you should head back home. I need to face Daniel alone." My words were laced with