Lex stumbled backward, his usually composed demeanor cracking like shattered glass. His breath hitched, and his sharp eyes darted around the crowded hall, scanning faces that blurred under the golden chandelier lights. Murmurs spread through the guests like ripples on disturbed water, confused whispers tangled with hushed gasps as everyone tried to make sense of his sudden reaction.Dawson’s brows knitted together, his gaze fixed on his father’s pale, frozen face. “Father?” he called softly, but Lex didn’t answer. Without a word, Lex turned and stormed out of the ballroom, his long strides cutting through the chaos as if the walls themselves might collapse if he stayed a second longer.Dawson hesitated for a heartbeat before following. Something in Lex’s expression, a raw, unfamiliar fear, had his stomach tightening.Upstairs, in the dimly lit expanse of his room, Lex paced back and forth like a caged beast. His breaths came harsh and uneven, and his hands shook slightly, clenching a

Zach’s entire world seemed to still.“My… what?” he choked, his voice almost inaudible.Athena’s tears spilled as she nodded, trembling as she cupped his face gently. “My son… my beautiful boy.”For the first time since he could remember, Zach smiled, broken, tentative, but real. He fell into her arms, wrapping her tightly as she sobbed against his shoulder.Nearby, Dawson stood frozen, guilt etched deep in his features. He stepped forward finally, his voice unsteady. “Athena… I… I’m so sorry. I should have protected you. I should have protected Logan too. I failed you both by not standing up against my father because I was a coward.”Athena looked up at him through tears, her voice soft but steady. “No. Lex was… a monster, Dawson. But you…” She paused, her voice trembling as she reached for his hand. “You weren’t. You were just… trapped.”Dawson lowered his head, overwhelmed by her forgiveness.The air outside was lighter now, as though the weight that had smothered them all for year