Chapter 42

Alfred's eyes widened in confusion. "Am I going back to Dad, Mom?"

His mother looked at him, her eyes brimming with tears. "Yes, sweetheart. This is just a temporary exchange. I promise you, Biden won't harm you in any way. It's so I can get Andrei back."

Alfred blinked hard, his little chin trembling. "Okay, Mom," he whispered.

Trying to lighten the mood, Asa playfully nudged Alfred's shoulder. "Ready to go?" she asked with a brave smile.

Alfred looked up. "Are you coming too, Mom?"

She pulled him into a warm embrace. "I'll come with you, but I can't stay, okay?"

The journey to Biden's residence was shrouded in an oppressive silence. Asa was drowning in guilt and sadness, knowing the emotional turmoil her child was undergoing.

Biden awaited their arrival with a mix of eagerness and caution. As he saw Alfred, a genuine smile appeared on his face. "Look who's here, my boy!" he chuckled.

To Alfred's surprise, it was the first genuine term of endearment he'd heard from Biden. Alfred's c