Ethan's POV
The atmosphere inside the estate was still heavy, but the suffocating dread that had filled the last hour was finally beginning to lift. I stood up slowly and smoothed the front of my jacket. I could feel the weight of the entire family's eyes on me. They were giving me a chance, a small, careful, guarded chance, and I knew I had to treat it with care. I could not afford to break their trust.
William's mother rose from her seat. Her voice was gentle but firm. "William," she said, looking at her son with soft eyes, "why don't you escort the gentleman out to his car? It's only polite."
I saw William's eyes widen for a moment. A flicker of nervous energy crossed his face, but he nodded quickly. He gave his mother a small, shy smile before turning to me. "I… I can do that," he said softly.
