Upon arriving home, she noticed Joe wasn't in the Living room, where he usually played. She checked the room but found no sign of him, so she asked Glenda.

"He's in the study," Glenda informed her.

Rowena nodded, not going there herself. She assumed Isaac must be home. Otherwise, Joe wouldn't be in the study alone.

Inside the study, Isaac stood before a French window flanked by thick velvet curtains. The glass gleamed, impeccably clean. “Check the records of outsiders from the past two months. Review the photos I sent. See if they've been active in other cities," he instructed over the phone.

"It will take time, given the workload," came the response.

"Let me know immediately if you find anything," Isaac said.

"Understood." With that, he ended the call.

The photos sent by him were monitor screenshots. Modern technology could now reconstruct faces with impressive accuracy. These individuals hadn't committed crimes in this city, suggesting they might be from elsewhere. The scope of the investigation was vast, but uncovering even a few leads would be beneficial.

"Dad." Isaac turned at the sound of the soft voice.

Isaac's stern expression melted into warmth at the sight of his son perched behind the desk. This tenderness was reserved for Camila and their children alone. He lifted his son into his arms.

"Dad, where's mom?" Joe's voice was sweet and innocent.

Isaac, momentarily lost in thought, quickly collected himself. “She's at work. She'll be home this evening."

Joe tilted his head, nestling it against Isaac's shoulder. "Dad, can you and mom take me out to play?"

"Okay," Isaac agreed immediately, not wanting to let his son down.

Time with his children was precious, and he couldn't help but feel that he hadn't spent enough time with them as a father.

Joe's hands clapped together in joy. His smile, radiant like a crescent moon, mirrored his mother's, though his features were distinctly Isaac's.

In that moment, Isaac was reminded of the birth of his children and the struggles Camila endured. He regretted making her go through it all, even if it was out of concern. He resolved to apologize to Camila when she returned.

Knock, knock, knock! The sound echoed at the door.

"Come in," Isaac called.

Rowena gently pushed the door open. “Joe needs his nap now."