The color drained from Camila's face.

Her legs turned to jelly, and she sank, Bowen clutched tightly in her arms.

He squirmed and protested, scratching at her face and hair from time to time.

"Mila, take a moment to breathe. I shared this with you so you can be prepared. Try not to dwell on it too much. Morrison will do everything in his power to help Aldrin," Laura reassured her gently.

"Please," Camila pleaded, voice rough with fear. "Isaac's not here, and I have two little ones to take care of. I can't come.."

“Don't worry," Laura reassured her. “Morrison and I will handle things here.

“Thank you," Camila whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

“You're welcome," Laura responded.

The call ended, and Camila carried Bowen back inside.

He fussed and squirmed, resisting her attempts to enter the room.

As soon as she stepped inside, his cries erupted.

Defeated, Camila settled onto a chair outside, resuming her attempts to teach Bowen how to walk.

Suddenly, Alick appeared, his face etched with worry.

Camila raised her head, her brow furrowed. "What's wrong?"

He opened his mouth to speak, then hesitated, his gaze flitting nervously around the yard.

“Just spill it," Camila urged, her tone firm.

Alick's expression darkened, a stark contrast to his usual stoicism.

It seemed too hard for him to open his mouth.

He stood there, fidgeting, as if struggling to find the words.

Camila's gut clenched. Something serious was brewing.