Pete's heart tightened as he sensed an unspoken turmoil in Mariah. "What's the matter, Mariah? Is everything alright?" he asked, his concern etched on his face. Mariah met his gaze, a smile masking the pain in her eyes. Yet, as she looked at Pete, tears welled up, and a flood of memories crashed over her—the moments with Adam, Pete, and Mason in the mansion.

"Ella, my sweetheart. Come here," she called her daughter, fighting to maintain composure. Mariah hugged Ella tightly, trying to shield her from the storm within. "Can you play in your room for a while? Mommy needs to talk with Uncle Pete and Aunt Blaire." Ella, sensing...