Chapter 141

Madeline was calm and composed.

Whatever Macie's plot was, her words had just thrown the fate of the orphanage onto Madeline's shoulders. If she refused to apologize, the backlash could be overwhelming.

"Stand up," Madeline whispered.

Madeline reached down to help Jazzy up, but Jazzy stayed put, frozen with a fear of Macie that was palpable.

The room fell into an uneasy silence, mirroring the hush that had settled over the children outside. It was as if they all sensed the standoff brewing inside, the threat of a home slipping through their fingers.

With a soft exhale, Madeline knew she could not just stand by and watch. "Ms. Lynch, can I use your phone?" she asked.

Trevon, who had been watching the scene unfold, could not help but feel a mix of irritation and smugness.

He was irritated because Madeline knew well enough to ask for a phone to make a call. Why did she not call yesterday before things escalated?

However, Trevon felt a smug satisfaction knowing that she eventual