An overwhelming ache shoots through Frederick's chest as he witnesses his son and grandchildren sobbing. His face contorts with a deep frown, and his breath escapes in puffs from his mouth. Clenching his fists tightly, he takes a deep breath through his nose. And with a heavy heart, he turns on his heels and retreats back inside the mansion.

"I must inform the authorities about this abduction," Frederick stated as he started to walk away.

"Wait!" Sophia called out, her hand reaching towards Frederick.

Frederick halted his steps, turning to face Sophia. "Yes?"

     Sophia clears her throat as she glances at Oliver. She stands in momentary silence, holding her breath. Then, with her hands clutching an envelope, she steps forward and passes it to Oliver.

"Oli. Read this," she said as she handed the envelope to Oliver. "...It says it's for you."

Oliver grabbed the envelope, swiftly scanning its contents. As his gaze settled on the writing at the centre, a chill ran down his spine, gripping him with an icy grip. "To Podeshire..." he read.

Gregory's attention was immediately drawn to his spouse's name scrawled in the centre of the envelope, catching his eye in a quick but significant glance. Curiosity and concern filled his mind as he wondered aloud, "...What's that?"

     Baffled and reluctant to engage in speculation, Oliver remains silent. Standing up, he tears the envelope open and plunges his hand inside to extract the letter. As Oliver unfolds the paper, his gaze immediately fixates on the passages across it. However, before he delves into its contents, his eyes lower to the signature block, where a name is prominently imprinted. At that moment, Oliver's eyes widen in sheer terror.

"...From Cal Hidesine," Oliver murmured, his voice barely audible as he read the name on the letter.

     Afterwards, everyone congregates in the lounge, drawn together by the warmth. The crackling fire emanates sparks and flames, casting dancing shadows that traverse every corner. Dimly lit candles shimmer, their soft glow filling the room as it becomes inundated with a gathering of people.

     Frederick reclines on a sofa near the fireplace, staring at the floor between his feet. Inside his mind, thoughts whirl like a hurricane, causing his brows to furrow and his breaths to come in slow but sharp intervals. Sophia, Edgar, and Sarrah find their places on another sofa, bathed in the gentle moonlight streaming through the windows behind them. Their lips remain sealed, with the only sound escaping being the audible exhalation of air through their nostrils.

     Meanwhile, in the quiet corner of the lounge, Victoria, Elizabeth, Albert, and George huddle together, their soft whimpers punctuating the air. Seeking solace, they tuck together closely, wrapping each other for warmth. They wipe the tears on their cheeks, yet more teardrops stream down from their eyes.

     Bethany approaches the children slowly. Leaning in closer, she lightly brushes their heads with the back of her palm. Her gentle fingers glide through their hair, comforting them with her tenderness.

"Shh... it's alright," Bethany murmured to the children. "Everything will be alright."

"But... but..." Elizabeth cried, her voice choked with worry. "Jean..."

"Have trust in your father," Bethany whispered. "It will be alright, we promise..." She continued brushing the children's heads with her smooth fingers.

     Gregory stands tall in the centre of the opulent room. The golden lights from the shimmering chandelier above cascade over his ink-black hair, shedding a soft glow. He then folds his hands and locks his unwavering gaze on Oliver. The air around Gregory begins to crackle with a palpable tension, and his breathing feels uneasy and burdened.

     Meanwhile, Oliver paces restlessly in tight circles, the faint sound of his footsteps echoing through the lounge. His eyes remain fixated on the letter clutched tightly in his trembling hands. Each breath escapes him in erratic bursts, his chest rising and falling rapidly with uncontrollable hyperventilation. The weight of anxiety courses through his veins, causing his knees to quake.

"It is absurd to receive a letter from a person that has caused so much harm to your family," Frederick thought, his voice laced with doubt as he voiced his concerns about Oliver's situation.

Oliver maintained a solemn silence, his eyes glued to the words on the paper as he circled the room.

Curiosity getting the better of him, Edgar turned to Oliver and asked, "What does the letter even say...?"

     Oliver continues his steady walk around the room. The soft sound of his clearing throat breaks the silence, drawing attention to his presence. As if guided by an invisible force, he halts at the centre of the room, standing beside Gregory. The golden light pouring down from the chandelier above bathes them both in its radiant glow. Sighing, Oliver takes a deep breath, gathering his thoughts.

Oliver's voice resonated with a deep timbre as he read aloud the words inscribed on the letter. "Greetings, Podeshire..." he began. "I hold no ill intentions towards your children, except for you, as you and your father have been the source of immense suffering for me. I invite you to meet me at a specified location where you can reunite with your child. I would fancy having a brief conversation with you," he recited, the weight of the message evident in his tone. "I expect you to come at once if your will includes seeing your child live..." As he read the final lines, his eyes widened in disbelief, and he stared at the blank wall.

"...Oh," Gregory huffed, his eyes widening in shock as fear gripped him, causing his pupils to contract.

"...We can't afford to waste any more time. I must inform the authorities about this situation immediately," Frederick said as he rose from his seat.

"Wait. But, it says..." Oliver's voice quivered as he read further, narrating a troubling warning that sent shivers down his body. "Do not disclose my plans and motives to anyone. And do not reveal my location to anyone. You must come to my address alone, without any companions. Violating these rules will result in your child's demise..." he ventured.

     Victoria, Elizabeth, Albert, and George overheard their father's narration, their young ears catching every word. They gasped as their wide eyes turned towards Oliver. Fear took hold of their hearts, and a tumultuous whirlwind of thoughts raced through their minds, causing them to intertwine their arms. Frightened, whimpers and whines passed through their trembling lips.

Frederick sank back into his seat as he sighed. "...What should we do...?" he pondered aloud.