Zayden stood outside his brother penthouse, hand raised to knock.
He had not been here in months. Had not seen his mother in person since—when? Three months ago? Maybe four?
The life he led as HazardKing did not leave much time for family visits.
But today was different.
Today, he needed to make sure his family was safe.
He knocked.
Footsteps. Then the door opened.
Isabella Virelli stood there, elegant as always even in casual clothes. Her eyes widened when she saw him.
"Zayden!" She pulled him into a hug immediately. "Oh my god, you are actually here. In person. I thought you had forgotten what your mother looked like."
Zayden hugged her back, smiling despite everything. "Hi, Mom."
"Hi, Mom," Isabella repeated, pulling back to look at him. "That is all you have to say? You disappear for months and all I get is hi, Mom?"
"I have been busy—"
