"Adam!" Raymond's voice filled the room the moment he pushed the door open. He didn't wait for permission. "It's been a long time. I'm glad you finally pulled yourself together, son. I heard from Tristan you'd been drowning yourself in sorrow and alcohol."
Adam didn't flinch at the older man's bluntness. He was sitting behind his desk, sleeves rolled up, eyes tired but clear. For the first time in weeks, there was steel in his posture again.
"Yeah," Adam said quietly. "I've been a fool." He rose to his feet, straightening his tie with slow precision before looking Raymond in the eye. "But not anymore."
Raymond's brows furrowed, uncertain where this was headed.
Adam took a step forward, his voice firm but laced with emotion. "I won't let fear consume me again. I won't repeat the same mistakes. I came here for one reason, Raymond—and I'm not leaving until you tell me where Sofia is."
Raymond's expression hardened, the weight of Adam's words sinking in.
