Ryan looked at Stella, and something finally clicked. She was protecting a secret. With everything she had.
And Ethan was standing right outside that secret, completely unaware.
"I should go." Ryan turned toward the door.
Just before leaving, he looked back at Stella one last time.
That single glance carried everything he couldn't say aloud.
Worry. Reluctance. And a fear he refused to admit.
Across the room, Ethan watched her silently.
"James..."
He repeated the name thoughtfully.
Rolling it over on his tongue.
"How long have you two been raising him?"
Stella's heart skipped a beat.
What she didn't know was that Ethan had already texted Noah.
Ethan: Find out what pet Ryan keeps in Northwood.
Stella continued to talk to Ryan who was going to leave.
"Ryan... Thank you for taki
