82. Bonds Tested

Michael's pov -

I rush to the balcony, my heart pounding in my chest as I answer the call. The voice on the other end sends a chill down my spine. "Hello..." I manage to utter, my voice betraying my fear and uncertainty.

"How important is she to you?" The question hangs in the air, heavy with an underlying threat that I can't quite decipher. I quickly gather my thoughts, searching for the right words to respond.

"She is my wife's best friend," I answer, trying to downplay the significance of Ema's role in my life. I sense there's more to this conversation, a hidden motive behind the caller's inquiries.

"And?" the voice presses, leaving me feeling even more unsettled.

"She is also my employee," I reply, my mind racing to understand the intent behind these probing questions. Why is this person so interested in Ema's importance to me? What do they want?

"Don't make me freak out, man," the caller warns, their tone dripping with an unsettling mix of menace and frustration. My anxiety