"Jenna, why isn't Milo in class today?" Lily Evans' voice carried clear confusion through the phone.

Jenna Roland halted mid-step, her brows knitting together. "That's impossible. He never skips school."

"The homeroom teacher asked me to check with you. He's definitely absent." Lily's tone left no room for doubt.

Jenna ended the call abruptly and dialed her brother's number.

"The number you have dialed is currently switched off—" The robotic female voice made her pulse spike.

Her fingers turned icy as she called several of Milo's classmates in rapid succession.

"Haven't seen Milo."

"He didn't come to school today."

"Nobody's seen him since morning."

Each response landed like a hammer blow. Standing outside Studio 54, Jenna's grip on the phone trembled slightly.

When she dialed the last number, she barely dared to breathe.

"Hello?" The call connected instantly.

"Ryan, this is Milo's sister. Have you seen him today?"

"Oh, Jenna!" Ryan Watson's voice sounded weak. "Sorry, I'm running a fever. Milo's been taking care of me..."

Jenna exhaled sharply, the tension draining from her shoulders.

"Put him on."

A familiar voice came through moments later: "Sis."

"Do you have any idea how worried I was?" Jenna's voice shook. "Everyone said you'd vanished. I thought—"

"Ryan's family wasn't home, and his charger broke," Milo explained. "I'm sorry for scaring you."

"Next time, you call me first!" Jenna scolded sternly. "Come home early."

Only after hanging up did she notice her damp blouse clinging to her back.

"Trouble?" Stella Laurent approached, taking in Jenna's pale complexion.

Jenna gave a brief explanation.

"Honestly," Stella shook her head, "Milo's the most responsible kid I know. Stop imagining worst-case scenarios."

"But he never turns off his phone..." Jenna muttered defensively.

"Enough. Go change." Stella tugged her toward the staff area. "We've got that tedious staff meeting tonight."

In the locker room, Jenna mechanically changed into her uniform. By seven, when the meeting ended and guests began arriving, her heartbeat had finally steadied.