Four months into the lawsuit, on a Sunday morning when Emma was drowning in legal documents and existential dread, an unexpected visitor appeared at her door.
Robert Sterling.
Emma answered the intercom, surprised. "Robert?"
"May I come up? I'd like to speak with you and Alexander. If you'll allow it." His voice lacked its usual commanding tone. He sounded, uncertain. Almost tentative.
Emma buzzed him up, warning Alexander that his father was on his way. Alexander's expression shifted from surprise to wariness to something that looked like hope he was trying to suppress.
Robert appeared at their door carrying a leather portfolio and looking older than Emma remembered. The months since Alexander's resignation had aged him, carved lines deeper into his face, stooped his shoulders slightly.
"Thank you for seeing me," Robert said, stepping inside. His eyes immediately went to Daniel, who was playing on the floor with blocks. "He's gotten so big."
