Chapter 112: Echoes of an Uncelebrated Night    

[VICTOR]

Sinclair sighed, taking a deep breath as he stepped closer, his eyes scanning Victor's face. "Come inside, Vic. It's getting colder out here."

"I'm fine," Victor replied, shrugging as if he hadn't been suppressing a shiver for the past hour. "It's not that chilly."

Sinclair gave him a lingering look but held back any further insistence. "Suit yourself," he said at last, stepping away. "But don't wait too long."

Victor nodded, only half-hearing the old man's words.

As the door closed behind Sinclair, he pulled out his phone and dialed Eve's number for what must have been the tenth time. His heart sank with each unanswered ring until it went to voicemail, and he found himself staring blankly at the dark screen.

Victor left her another message, his voice softer this time, almost pleading.

"Eve, just . . . let me know you're okay, all right? I'll be here."