The drive back to the mansion was unusually quiet.
Leo had fallen asleep with his head resting on Ivy's lap, completely unaware of the tension lingering in the car. Xander sat beside them in silence, his gaze fixed on the passing lights outside the window.
Earlier, Ivy had explained everything that had happened at the hospital—how she had helped a woman who collapsed at the flower shop and stayed until she regained consciousness.
She had assumed that telling him the truth would put his mind at ease.
Instead, his silence only made her more anxious.
Does he not believe me? She wondered.
Trying to push the thought aside, she looked down at the sleeping boy and gently brushed a strand of hair away from his forehead.
Before long, the car rolled to a stop in front of the mansion.
"I'll take him," Xander said quietly, reaching over to lift Leo into his arms.
Ivy nodded and carefully transferred the sleeping child to him.
Together, they stepped inside.
