Nicki's sudden entrance brought a brief moment of distraction, her innocent presence breaking through the tension that had settled in the room. Seth glanced at his niece with a hint of surprise, momentarily caught off guard by her unexpected appearance.

"What are you doing here, Nicki?" he asked, his tone softening as he addressed the young girl.

Nicki grinned mischievously, her eyes sparkling with youthful exuberance. She brought out her writing pad and wrote: "I heard voices, so I came to see what you guys were talking about," she replied, oblivious to the weight of the conversation taking place.

Japheth sighed, his daughter had spoke to Cecilia in front of...