Liam's POV“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Sarah asked as we pulled up to the old Carter Mansion where Tobias was now occupying.“No,” I replied. “But I still got to talk to him. I need to.”“This could be really dangerous, Liam,” Sarah urged. “I mean, with the man's history and all, what if he suddenly gets cranky?”“That's why I brought you,” I replied.“I am not sure if I'm the best idea of a backup.”“No. But you'll call the police if our visitation goes South.”Sarah sighed.“I'm still not convinced that this is a good idea though. The man is dangerous and I don't think…”“Can we stop complaining and do this?” I cut her off.Sarah pouted as she passed me a little earpiece.“I won't attend your funeral just to be clear,” she said.“Yeah, but I bet you'll watch every second of it back in your dark room through one of your drones.”Sarah laughed.“Get out, Liam.” She pushed me gently.I chuckled heartily as I walked out of the car.Sarah was just natural at drawing laughter out o

Liam's POVMom seemingly choked on her drink.“Liam!” She exclaimed excitedly. “You're back even sooner than we thought!”“I had to turn in early today. Tired from work,” I replied as I made my way into the room. “What exactly is going on here?” I asked.“Your mom and I talked with your maid, and realized that you've always been all work and no play.” It was Aunt Maya replying.“So we decided to prepare a little get-together for you this evening.” Mom smiled. “Oh and look who I invited.” She motioned at Melissa.“Hello, Liam.” Melissa waved shyly.“Hi!” I waved back and then turned to my mother. “Can I talk to you for a second, Mom?”“Sure? Why not?” She replied but did not attempt to get up.“In private?” I added, nodding towards the kitchen.“Oh sure, hun. Lead the way.”I walked towards the kitchen and she followed behind.Even before I could reach the kitchen, the sweet delicious aroma of whatever mom had gone out of her way to prepare greeted my nostrils. My stomach rumbled a litt

Tobias' POVThe halls of the Carter Mansion once filled with music and laughter were now empty and hollow, mirroring how I felt inwardly.Ever since I returned, I didn't bother stepping out of the house. And since I had gone to Carter Enterprises to see the bastard son of my brother, it was almost as if I had forgotten the outside world and had slowly become afraid of it too.“Are you okay, Mr. Carter?” Waldo's voice cut through my thoughts bringing me back to reality.I sat near the fireplace with a half-empty glass of whiskey in my hand, but my eyes were on the wall, silently staring at their faces… My family.“Never better.” I sighed and took another sip from my glass. “You know I hear their voices sometimes. Sometimes I feel their eyes following me as I move through the house and I could almost hear them… hear them whispering..”“I'll take down the portraits if you want.” Waldo offered.“No Waldo,” I replied quickly. “No. Leave them. To take them down I fear would be as bad as….” I

Liam's POV“Hey… Alice. It's been a while.” I exclaimed when she walked in.Alice smiled, but it wasn't that happy and carefree smile that I was used to. It was more of a pained and forced smile.“Hello, Liam!” She said lowly.I got up and moved around the desk with my arms open to hug her, but she stretched out her hand still with that pained smile on her face.I stopped.My eyes went to her hand and then her face. She didn't want to hug me. This told me she was mad at me. I reached out and we shook hands briefly before she pulled back her hand.“Err, have a seat.” I offered her the chair opposite my desk and as she sat down, I turned and returned to my chair.“Been quite the busy man lately, huh?” She asked with her eyes scanning my office.“Yeah!” I replied. “You know work and business and stuff like that. And I'm sorry I kept you waiting this morning.” I apologized.“It's okay.” She replied in that voice, that tone that will tell you quite the opposite. No, it wasn't okay. “Not the

Liam's POVI looked at the napkin. It was just a crumpled piece of paper. But it was the only clue I had from Ryan Blackwood, and maybe it could help me figure out what was going on.“What is this supposed to be?” I asked, feeling frustrated.Hans leaned in and looked at it.“Looks like a poem or something?”Sarah laughed.“More like nonsense. Listen to this: ‘Tonight our betrayal is absolved; serenity descends in deep nights. Truths dwell only in transit.’ What does that even mean?”We all stared at it quietly under the bright diner lights. The napkin sat on the greasy table.“Do you think he’s trying to tell us something?” Hans asked. He sounded worried. “Maybe he’s in danger.”“Danger?” Sarah rolled her eyes. “Ryan Blackwood is dangerous. He always brings trouble.”“Yeah, but… he looked scared,” I said. “Like he wanted to say more but couldn’t.”“Or maybe he’s just playing us again,” Sarah said. “Don’t forget what he’s done—missing students, organ trafficking, framing people…”“I kn