Chapter 23

Throughout the remainder of the day, Biden Hali was uncharacteristically distant. There was an overwhelming gloom that seemed to cast a shadow over his usually radiant disposition. An incessant worry for Asa gnawed at the corners of his mind, making it impossible for him to focus on the daunting pile of work ahead.

Stacks of files lay sprawled across his desk, each demanding his attention, yet he found it almost impossible to devote any energy towards them. Every time he remembered Alfred's desperate plea, imploring him to bring his mother back home, guilt washed over him like a bitter wave.

"Surely she couldn't be with her ex-husband. Even if she were, she wouldn't stay away this long," he thought, trying to make sense of the situation. However, he couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling that something was amiss.

Suddenly, a knock at the door stirred him from his thoughts.

"Enter," he said, his voice sounding more like a command than a simple invitation.

Priscilla, his diligent