Finally, after the third attempt, her call rang once before dropping straight to voicemail. She tried again. This time, it didn’t even ring—just the same cold message: The person you are trying to reach is unavailable. Clara’s breath caught. “He’s not answering… it’s like I’m blocked,” she said hoarsely, holding up the phone for them to see. Phoebe’s eyes widened.
“Blocked? That doesn’t make sense.” Her father’s face hardened. “Give me the phone. I’ll try from mine.” He punched in the number, waited—and seconds later, his expression darkened. “Blocked.” Her mother quickly followed, her hands trembling as she typed. Within moments, she let out a stunned gasp. “Me too. And not just Liam. Stephanie as well.