Stephen's POV

Time seemed to stretch on endlessly as I raced after my father, every passing minute feeling like an eternity for Max and me. Our anxiety had reached a crescendo, compelling us to abandon our post outside and venture inside to find Eric.

"I don't think Eric will come back here," I finally voiced, breaking the oppressive silence. "He pursued his father despite his plea to spare the 'Evans' name from disgrace."

Max nodded, her agreement etched across her ...