Home.

One voice suggested leaving, and it was like a dam breaking.

"Yeah, I really should get going. My mother won't stop texting," Lucas Bennett said, checking his phone.

"I'll head out with you," another classmate quickly agreed.

Alexander Blackwood's voice cut through the murmurs before anyone could move. "There's no need to rush." He surveyed the room. "A reunion like this is rare. You should all stay until the end."

Silence descended instantly.

The air grew heavy with unspoken tension.

Alexander remembered every condescending word Rebecca Thornton had spoken to Evelyn.

His mere presence had fundamentally altered the group's dynamic.

Evelyn's husband was no longer the man they had quietly pitied or underestimated.

His quiet authority was a tangible force, compelling them to reconsider their plans to leave. They slowly, reluctantly, returned to their seats.

"You're absolutely right, Mr. Blackwood. We should stay a while longer," someone finally conceded, their voice strained.

Alexander remained perfectly composed, as if unaware of the discomfort he caused. He turned to Evelyn, serving her more food. "You should eat a little more," he said softly, his tone leaving no room for argument. He was acutely aware she hadn't been well and needed to keep her strength up.

The atmosphere was thick with unease. Everyone was suddenly hyper-aware of their every move, treating Alexander with a cautious deference that bordered on fear, though he had only suggested they extend their evening.

Evelyn was puzzled by his insistence but trusted him implicitly. She offered no argument and quietly continued to eat.

"Amelia, please, have some more," Evelyn said, serving her friend discreetly.

Amelia Clarke accepted the food with a quiet thank you, keen to avoid drawing any attention.

The rest of the group sat stiffly, the lavish spread before them now seeming unappetizing under Alexander's watchful gaze.

Noting their hesitation, Alexander spoke again, a knowing look in his eyes. "Is the food not to your liking? No one is eating."

All eyes darted nervously toward Lucas Bennett.

Lucas forced a tight smile. "No, it's wonderful. Thank you, Mr. Blackwood."

Alexander merely raised an eyebrow. "Please, just Alexander is fine. I've done nothing to warrant such formality."

Some of the tension seemed to ease. Lucas was the first to pick up his fork again.

His action gave the others permission to tentatively resume eating.

The nervous energy was still palpable. One man's hand trembled so noticeably he knocked over his water glass. The shattering sound echoed in the quiet room.

"I'm so sorry!" he exclaimed, scrambling to clean the mess.

"It's quite alright," Evelyn said in a calming voice. "Just ask the waiter for another. It's no trouble at all."

As the dinner finally drew to a close, Evelyn, having eaten her fill, felt Alexander's gaze on her. She looked up as he watched her dab her mouth with a napkin.

"Are you ready to go home now?" he asked, his voice low and intimate.

At his words, Evelyn instinctively glanced toward Amelia.

They had reconnected, but the evening's strange turn had prevented any real conversation.

Amelia understood the look immediately. "It is getting late," she said promptly. "I should get back to my son. We'll talk properly another time, Evelyn."

Sensing that Alexander was ready to leave and not wanting to delay them, Amelia made her exit easy.

Evelyn nodded in agreement. "Of course. We'll talk soon."