Lucius's POV
Matthew had just called to tell me they were close to finding out which family in New York had adopted Vivi years ago.
I was elated at the news, finally feeling like we were making progress after all these years of searching.
But I hadn't expected to run into Viya.
Guilt flashed across my face as I walked toward Viya, quickly masking the emotion.
Viya smiled knowingly. "Is Miranda missing?"
"No, it's not that," I said, shaking my head.
I had no idea how to explain this to Viya. Why was I suddenly so invested in finding a child from the past? How could I tell her that this might change everything between us?
She didn't press the issue. "I need to use the restroom," she said simply, looking down at her stained sleeve.
I watched her walk away, noticin
