295: Unexpected Calls and Unseen Dangers

Late one evening, as Alex sat deep in thought over his sister's recent entanglements, his phone rang. With a heavy sigh, recognizing the caller ID as Lillian's, he answered, albeit reluctantly. The sound that greeted him was his sister's frantic sobs and pleas, instantly setting him on edge. "Lillian, calm down. What’s happening? Why are you screaming?" Alex tried to keep his tone even, though concern was building up inside him. Through her tears, Lillian managed to articulate her fear, "Alex, you have to help me! It’s Marlowe... he’s planning to sell me, to use me to finance his career! I never thought he could do something so cruel. Please, you have to come and save me!" The distress in her voice was palpable, and despite his initial reluctance, Alex's protective instincts as an older brother began to kick in. "Slow down, Lillian. Start from the beginning. Who’s trying to sell you? I need details." Lillian took a moment to gather herself, her breathing heavy over the pho