Chloe inhaled sharply, pressing her fingertips against her temples—steadying herself, dragging herself back to reality.
This wasn't happening.
She wasn't spiraling.
She wasn't reacting to anything.
Carter's small voice cut through the silence, his gaze flickering toward her, head tilted in quiet curiosity.
"What about it?"
Chloe blinked, inhaling, forcing neutrality onto her face.
"Nothing."
She stood, brushing invisible creases from her shirt. "Let's take a bath. You first."
Carter didn't press—but he noticed.
And Chloe? She kept moving, kept focusing, kept herself occupied so her mind didn't wander.
And then—the knock.
She barely stilled before the voice followed—smooth, unwavering, deliberate.
"Dinner's ready."
Chloe exhaled, adjusting Carter's collar before stepping into the dining area.
The table was already set, plates perfectly arranged, the quiet warmth of Kian's cooking filling the space.
Carter's eyes lit up, the first bite melting into appreciation, his small frame shifting with delight.
"This is really good," he murmured—then, turning toward Kian, full sincerity in his voice.
"Thanks for cooking."
Kian barely flinched, his lips curling slightly, amusement flickering in his gaze.
And Chloe? She watched—just for a second, just long enough to acknowledge that Carter, for all his hesitation, had already started to soften.