The hospital room buzzed with subtle tension as the nurse stepped out with baby Eandro for routine tests. Allesandro stood by the window, holding Isla's small hand while Leo played with the hem of his suit jacket. Ever was still in the hospital bed, her eyes flickering between the door and Allesandro — until Nathaniel Carter returned.
The air changed.
Nathaniel's polished shoes echoed on the floor as he approached, but his gaze was locked on Ever first — not the children, not Allesandro.
"Mr. Wales," he said with that clipped, doctor-calm voice, "Nostri has landed... and I'm going to be part of his life. As his father."
Silence.
Ever's breath caught. Allesandro's back stiffened, his hands balling into fists. He turned, slowly, his voice dangerously calm. "You must've hit your head with that stethoscope. He's my son."
