There was a pause on the other end before Thaddeus's voice broke through, low and trembling. "I'm on my way," he whispered.
Kayden's mother, her heart racing. Before she could say anything, Ryland, who had been watching her, lifted his head.
"Did I just hear him say he's on his way?" Ryland asked, his tone sharp.
Kayden's mother nodded slowly. "Yes… Thaddeus arrived last night," she said softly. "He texted me to let me know."
Ryland's brows furrowed. "He arrived last night? And you didn't think it was important to tell me?"
"I didn't want another argument, Ryland," she replied quietly, her voice trembling. "He came because he's worried about Kayden."
Ryland's jaw tensed as he folded his arms. "So this is it, then? You and your son planned this together? He pretends to be sick just to make me allow Thaddeus to come here?"
Kayden's mother looked at him in disbelief, her eyes wide and glistening.
