I jump to my feet. “Let’s go.” Zeke may have crossed paths with Charlie, but maybe I can still prevent disaster. If I get Dad out of here without seeing his old lab partner, I would’ve technically followed the Voice’s order. “I’m not feeling very well. I want to go home.”

“Can you wait a few minutes, Alice? The banquet’s not over.” Dad gestures at the people still milling around the ballroom. He looks at my brother, who’s back to scribbling on that napkin. Guess his nap revived him enough to continue being brilliant. “I know you’re disappointed, son, but you shouldn’t miss this opportunity. Some of the most renowned scientists in the country are in this room. The connections you make tonight could be vital to your future.”

“What if I don’t want to talk to anyone?” Archie glances up, thunderstorms on his face.

“I implore you to try,” Dad says.

My brother stares back for a few breathless moments. And then he slams his palms on the table and stalks away. Right in the direction of Charlie’s table.

Crap! “Don’t go anywhere,” I say to Dad and hurry after my brother. “Archie, wait.” I grab his shoulder as we squeeze between two unoccupied tables, darting my gaze around. I’ve already slipped in allowing Zeke to cross paths with Charlie. I won’t make the same mistake with Archie. The seats are clearing quickly as people make their way to the long dessert tables, but there’s no wild mane of brown hair. No Charlie.

My shoulders droop just as Archie spins around, snarling. “Zeke didn’t even mention me in his speech. Even though I was instrumental in helping him with his research. And now Dad’s getting on my case. He’s just mad I lost that stupid trophy.”

“That’s not true.” I wrench my eyes from the scene over his shoulder and focus on my brother. I can still see the line on his face from his dinnertime snooze. “Dad loves you. He’s proud of you.” Which is more than I can say for his feelings toward me.

Archie scoffs. “The only thing he loves is the prestige my success brings. He’s only concerned about what will take me to the next level. Advanced courses. Science fairs. Olympiads. He doesn’t actually care about me.”

“He does! It’s just that you have a gift. Dad wants to make sure he does right by you.”

He dodges a waitress as she walks past with a bin of empty glasses. “Don’t you dare take his side.”

The anger hangs between us. His conflict with Dad has been simmering for months. Sooner or later, it’s going to blow up—and I don’t want to be in the middle of the detonation.

“I only want what’s best for you, Arch,” I say softly.