The evening after Dr. Vance’s departure was thick with a heavy, anticipatory quiet. Zeth and his attorney had left hours ago, Zeth's parting looked one of pure, unadulterated venom. The evaluation had not gone the way he had planned; his attempt to project an image of a doting, stable father had fallen completely flat against Leo’s natural, comfortable integration into Christian’s home.
Casel sat on the outdoor terrace, watching the rain finally begin to fall, a steady, rhythmic drumming against the glass canopy overhead. The cool breeze brought the scent of wet earth and jasmine from the gardens. She felt an immense weight lifting from her shoulders, replaced by a profound, clarity-inducing calmness.
Christian stepped out onto the terrace, carrying two glasses of water. He set them down
