William's Study in Zhao Residence.
The study felt small and heavy with old wood, dim light, and the clock on the wall ticking quietly.
Evan couldn't sit.
He paced in front of the desk, one hand pressed to his temple, the other clasped behind his back. His steps were sharp and restless, like he was trying to outrun a thought that kept catching up.
William remained seated, watching him steadily. He didn't interrupt. He was thinking, lining up events, conversations, and coincidences that no longer felt like coincidences.
Finally, Evan stopped.
He pulled out the chair but didn't sit immediately. For a second, he just stood there, staring at nothing.
Then he dropped into it.
His voice came slower now.
"When Ba died two years ago. Before even his body lay in the coffin, I was already planning on searching for my son," Evan said.
