Their visit coincided with the lunch rush, where they found themselves amidst a crowd, including Alexis and Evelyn.

The manager, struggling to accommodate their super VIP gift card during such a busy time, caught Alexis' attention.

The manager, apologetically addressing Alexis, said, "We're kind of overwhelmed with reservations today."

After a moment of hesitation, Alexis’ gaze fell on a little boy with big, watery eyes that sparkled with an innocent curiosity.

He reminded her strikingly of her own younger son, bearing a resemblance so strong they could be mistaken for brothers.

This revelation left Alexis momentarily speechless, her attention shifting to Julie, who was visibly tense.

The encounter with a member of the Fowler family, of all people, had Julie in a state of dismay.

Confronted by Matthew's aunt, she found herself nervously avoiding Alexis' steady gaze, her hands fidgeting.

Alexis, though taken aback, maintained her composure, a trait of the Fowler lineage. She crouched to Matthew's level, her voice soft.

“Hello, what's your name, little one?"

"I'm Matthew Brown," he replied with the politeness of a well-raised child.

The surname confirmed Alexis' suspicion that Matthew had ties to her family.

She rose, extending an invitation to Julie. "I have a large table, room enough for all of us. My daughter is here too; the children might enjoy each other's company.”

Evelyn's observation added a layer of intrigue. "He looks just Like Daniel."

With a warm smile, Alexis turned to Julie. “Daniel's my youngest.

It's quite remarkable, but Matthew does bear a striking resemblance to him."

She proceeded to show Julie photos of Daniel on her phone, suggesting, “Look at them. Wouldn't you agree they could pass as brothers?"

The conversation overwhelmed Julie, her anxiety manifesting as a cold sweat.

Alexis then remarked to the manager about the room's temperature, to which he responded apologetically, explaining the automated temperature control.

Left with little choice, Julie agreed to share the table with Alexis and Evelyn.