The ambiance in the room was heavy with silence. Zoey sat, her emotions hidden behind a stoic facade.

No tears, no cries - but Waylen understood the storm brewing within her.

In a hushed voice, Waylen began to share snippets of Jarrod's history and his connection to the Fowler family. Zoey responded with a nonchalant tone, “I thought he had given up on everything. Yet, in the end, he helped my granddaughter.

For hours, Zoey remained in solitude, lost in her thoughts. Waylen stood by her side, offering silent support.

As evening descended, Mark returned home. He was taken aback to learn that Waylen was in the house.

Upon hearing from a servant that Zoey was in low spirits and that Waylen was with her, Mark decided to head straight to Zoey's bedroom,

He approached the bedroom door, giving it a gentle knock.

Concern laced his voice as he inquired.

“Mom, why have you locked the door?"

The door creaked open, revealing Waylen.

He quietly closed the door behind him and explained, “Mark, your mother needs some time alone."

Mark felt a sense of unease wash over him.

He took a few steps away from the door but couldn't contain his curiosity.

“What's wrong with my mom?"

Waylen paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully.

“An old friend of your mother's has passed away."

Mark's confusion was palpable.

He racked his brain, but the identity of this old friend remained elusive. After all, the families had once been prominent in their own right, but the past was a distant memory now.

Waylen had originally intended to return to Duefron overnight. He missed Rena and the kids.

However, Mark's insistence kept him back.

"Zoey isn't feeling well. Having an extra person in the house might help, and she's very fond of you."

Waylen consented.