I laugh, leaning against the doorframe. "Not when it comes to parties. You know how she gets."

Ollie shakes his head, cramming the muffin in his mouth. His gaze drifts to where Mia, Camilla, and Marcus are arriving. I watch the awkward dance between Mia and my brother as they hug—a gesture that reveals more than words ever could. Their connection is obvious, even if they haven't made it official. Warmth blooms in my chest watching them. It's been too long since I've seen Ollie this light, this present. But with Mia, something in him has reawakened.

"Hey, birthday girl," Mia greets me with a grin and quick hug.

"Glad you could make it." I squeeze her back.

"As if we'd miss this," Camilla gestures around, wide-eyed at the fairytale setting.

"That's Lydia for you," I shrug.

As afternoon deepens, the party gains momentum. Laughter and conversation wrap around me like a comfortable blanket, but something feels off. Jake keeps checking his phone, distracted, waiting for something—or someone. It's subtle, but I've known him my whole life. I can read the tension in his shoulders.

Then the doorbell rings.

Jake jumps up, too quickly, muttering about answering it. Lydia glances at Mom, brow furrowed.

"I thought everyone was here?"

Unease coils in my stomach as Jake disappears inside. When I see who stands on the porch, my heart plummets.

Scott Sullivan.

Jake stands beside his father, their features suddenly mirror images. I haven't seen Scott in over two years, and he was never a welcome sight even then. Horror dawns on Lydia's face—she had no idea he was coming.

Which means neither does Nate.

Shit.

"Quite the party you've thrown, Lydia." Scott gestures around before kissing his wife's cheek. Her body goes rigid, a reaction I recognize all too well, though I wish I didn't.

"Scott, I... I thought you were in London."

"Wanted to surprise my boy for his birthday. That okay with you?"

Lydia nods with a forced smile that screams 'absolutely not okay.'

"Can I speak to you inside Scott, please?"

"Sure." His smile is cold, calculated, hiding secrets. "Kat, so sorry to hear about David. He was a good man. And Lenora, happy birthday."

Mom acknowledges his condolences with quiet grace.

Jake returns to our table, and I can't help asking, "Does Nate know your dad is here?"

His expression darkens instantly. "Why does it always have to be about Nate? Can't I invite my own dad to my birthday without him acting out?"

The words sting, but I can't focus on that now. My mind races. Nate's still at Sonder with Nick—he should have been back hours ago. My pulse quickens as I dial his number. One ring, then straight to voicemail.

"You okay?" Marcus leans in, concerned.

I fight to keep my voice steady as I turn to him and Camilla. "Nate doesn't know Scott's here. This... this could be bad. Really bad."

Marcus frowns. "Why?"