For some reason, upon hearing Ethan’s name, Emily felt a sense of panic.

Cade raised his chubby little hand and pointed in the distance.

Following his finger, Emily saw several men and women dressed in black, among whom stood Ethan, seemingly at the forefront.

Beside Ethan stood an elderly man with a cane, whom Emily immediately recognized as Ethan's father—Aldrich Thomas.

Behind Aldrich stood Thora, wearing a tight black dress, looking much more mature than her ...