Chapter 24. Money-Obsessed Senator

Amelie lay on her bed, her voice trembling as she answered Ella's call.

"Hello," she said.

"Ella," she continued, "I'm not doing well. I need to talk."

Ella, on the other end of the line, listened intently, offering her a shoulder to lean on.

"Amelie," Ella's voice was filled with concern. "What's going on? You sound so distressed. Are you okay?"

Amelie hesitated for a moment. She wanted to tell Ella everything, to share her pain, but the fear of the Senator's wrath held her back. Instead, she decided to confide in her friend about something less revealing.

"I'm just going through a tough time," Amelie said, her voice quivering. "It's nothing major, really."

Ella's voice was warm and reassuring. "You don't have to hide anything from me, Amelie. I'm here for you, no matter what. If you ever need someone to talk to, I�