I snapped back to reality, yet I found myself entirely tongue-tied. Too much time had slipped away, a vast expanse of years fully capable of eroding even the deepest bonds. After all, we had only known each other in kindergarten.
I forced myself to maintain a calm, professional demeanor. "Wow, I really had no idea we were actually kindergarten classmates. What a small world."
Melvin's expression instantly soured, darkening significantly. He fixed his intense, piercing gaze on me like a predator tracking its prey. "Oh? Is that truly all you have to say to me?"
I let out a couple of dry, forced chuckles before asking a question that felt a bit daring. "I distinctly remember you having a completely different name back then, Mr. Lambert."
He grew noticeably more irritated, answering in a d
