Her chair scraped softly against the floor as she rose. Just then, Thaddeus leaned forward, took one of Kayden's hands, and gently wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin.
"Thaddeus."
The sound of his name cut through the moment like a blade. He froze mid-motion, instantly recognizing the voice.
Lena approached the table. Thaddeus turned to look at her, and before she could speak, he greeted her casually, as if nothing were amiss.
Kayden blinked, confusion flickering across his face. Who is she? He thought.
Thaddeus caught his gaze and, without hesitation, said, "This is Ryland's son."
Lena's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Wow, I didn't realize you'd grown up like this… Kayden, right?"
Thaddeus nodded.
Kayden bowed politely. "Ma'am."
"Lena and I need to talk for a moment," Thaddeus added, already rising.
The introduction only deepened Kayden's confusion. Thaddeus had told Lena who he was, but not the other way around.
