Oliver's mind sparks with the image of his children. He gasps as his eyes dart towards them in the corner of the room. Concern floods his mind, fusing with a tightening sensation in his chest. Seeing his children's expressions fills his veins, swelling his heart with a potent blend of worry.

     Victoria, Elizabeth, Albert, and George hold their mouths tightly shut, their eyes locked onto their parents with eyebrows furrowed in confusion and concern. Pouts form on their young faces, elongating their jaws, while their thoughts race with uncertainty and fear. Sorrow reflects in the children's tear-filled eyes, causing a sparkling shimmer that mirrors their sadness. They remain silent as they stare at their parents, lacking the will to speak.

     A tornado of emotions swirls within the children's minds, an overwhelming mix that leaves them grappling to make sense of their vulnerable feelings. Confusion exerts its hold on them, rooting them in a disorienting space detached from the grasp of reality. And their skin feels delicate—as if every touch sends tingling sparks through their palms.

     Gregory stares deeply into Oliver's eyes, observing the widening of his spouse's eyes in shock. It piques Gregory's curiosity, compelling him to trace the path of Oliver's gaze, driven by an insatiable need to uncover the source of his reaction. Then, the world around Gregory suddenly feels halted as a pervasive realization crashes into his consciousness.

     Gregory's eyes widen, and his jaw quivers in an open-mouthed shock. Thoughts spiral out of control, and the consequences of his actions become glaringly apparent. The gravity of guilt permeates his being, causing his bones to tremble.

     Gregory gasps, his hands flying to his mouth. An intense wish to turn back time flickers in his eyes, a desperate longing to undo what has been done. Regret holds him captive, rendering him stunned and motionless in its cage.

"...D-Do you mean... that creepy old man is... Grandpa...? The man who kidnapped Jean is Grandpa??" Elizabeth cried, and her voice bounced off the walls.

     Seeing his children's tear-streaked faces tugged at Gregory's heartstrings, pulling him towards them. Quickly, Gregory rushed to their side, closing the distance between them in swift strides. He knelt before each of his kids, attempting to soothe their cries.

"Shh! Kids! Kids! I'm sorry!" Gregory's voice trembled with guilt as he sought to console his distressed children. "Sorry..." He gently brushed his finger against his children's cheeks.

Victoria's watery eyes locked on Gregory's. "Is it true...?" she asked as she looked at him.

Gregory glanced back at Victoria. "Hm...?"

"Is it true?? That creepy old man who took our brother... is your father?" she sniffled.

Gregory's gaze softened as he sighed. "Yes..." he admitted.

"Will... w-will Grandpa... b-bring Jean back... and... and not hurt him...?" Elizabeth's voice quivered through her tears.

"I say Jean will be okay," Gregory reassured Elizabeth, gently placing a comforting palm under her chin.

"...You sure?" Victoria sniffled louder as she queried.

"...I promise," Gregory nodded.

     Summoning his strength, Oliver approached his spouse and children. He knelt beside Gregory, positioning himself to face their children in their seats. As Oliver's comforting presence enfolded them, a gradual sense of calm descended upon the kids, their distress gradually easing.

"...Kids, we love you, alright?" Oliver's voice trembled as he spoke. "I'm asking each of you to be good boys and girls, understand? I want you to behave... and... pray..." His voice trailed off into a soft mumble as his eyes squeezed shut. "And pray..."

Gregory glanced at Oliver and placed an arm around his shoulders. "Oliver... I'm sorry for my earlier behaviour," he whispered. "I... I can't bear the thought of losing you..."

"But I have to save Jean from Cal..." Oliver murmured. "You know it must be done..."

"...Oli," Gregory's voice shook. "...There must be another way..."

"...What way?" Oliver asked.

"Bring me with you," Gregory pleaded.

Oliver shook his head, his voice low and filled with concern. "I can't..."

"You can, and you must," Gregory insisted, leaning closer to Oliver's face. "...All Cal wants is revenge... for his family. He wants to target you because... he believes... your family damaged ours, commencing this long-standing feud," Gregory struggled to articulate his words, his voice wavering as he did his best to convey his thoughts.

"Greg, we..." Oliver began to respond, but his words faltered.

"I know what's on his mind, for I have grown up with that man," Gregory stated calmly, "and because of that... I believe... Jean is not in danger..."

"Nonsense..." Oliver's soft gaze transformed into a furious glare. "He's holding our child hostage, Greg..."

"No... just... it's... ugh..." Gregory squeezed his fist, struggling to find the right words. "I couldn't explain. But I'll show you how this problem can be solved."

"To solve this issue, I must follow what Cal said," Oliver stared deeply into Gregory's eyes.

"Cal... I think... he... he might..." Gregory sighed. "...There's something you once told me if Cal knew... that if he knew..."

"'Knew' what?" Oliver asked.

     Gregory's confidence wanes, unable to meet Oliver's amber gaze any longer. His eyes cast downward, fixated on the floor, while a deep frown stretches across his face. With a heavy sigh, Gregory raises a palm and covers his eyes.

"Forget it..." Gregory's voice trembled, his words accompanied by a sniffle. "...Forget it..."

     As Oliver watches his beloved on the verge of tears, he closes his eyes and lowers his head, allowing himself to soak in the calm silence. However, his reverie is abruptly interrupted by a faint sound that catches his attention. Oliver's eyes swiftly widen, and he looks up to see Frederick slowly approaching them.

"...So, we cannot alert the authorities... is that correct?" Frederick asked as he cautiously drew nearer.

"Yes, we cannot involve the authorities. It could put Jean in danger," Oliver responded, his voice shaking with fear.

"Then, what can I do to help you instead?" Frederick asked.

Oliver stood up and clasped Frederick's hands in his own. "...Dad, please stay with my children while I'm away," Oliver pleaded. "Please stay with them..."

"You have my word," Frederick assured.