John adjusted his tie, glancing over at Joe with a grin as they stood in front of the full-length mirror in Joe’s room. "How do I look?" he asked, smoothing down the front of his suit. Joe took a step back, nodding approvingly. "You look amazing," he said, giving his cousin a confident smile. "Thanks," John replied, flashing a thumbs-up before they both turned and made their way downstairs. As they reached the table by the door, Joe’s eyes landed on a bouquet of flowers he’d picked out earlier. He reached for them but hesitated, glancing down at the bouquet in his hands. Just as he was about to put them back, John gave him a questioning look. "Why are you putting them back?" John asked, arching an eyebrow. "Aren't they for Hannah?" Joe shrugged, his hesitation clear. "I don’t know... Do you think she’ll even like them? I feel like maybe I’m doing too much. It’s just a launch of her event and not a date.” John shook his head, chuckling softly. "Joe, you’re not doing too much.

"What are you doing here?"Timothy grinned, then stepped aside to reveal the auburn-haired woman at his side. "Came with a date," he replied, nodding toward her. "This is Leah."Leah extended a hand. She was wearing a warm smile that seemed almost contagious."Hi, I’m Leah, head of Green Corporation.""She makes green tea!" Timothy added, chuckling. "Isn’t she fun?"Joe nodded politely, reaching out to shake her hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”At that moment, Timothy grabbed a spare chair for himself and Leah and slid it next to Joe and John. Once everyone was seated, Timothy spoke up."So, Joe,” he began, giving him a pointed look, “how does it feel to be here supporting your woman?""She’s not my woman," Joe replied, rolling his eyes.Timothy laughed, turning to Leah. "That’s what he tells everyone, but we all know there’s something between these two."Leah raised her eyebrows in curiosity, looking between Joe and Timothy. Timothy then turned to John. "What do you think, John? Don’t

Joe’s mind was still a whirl of thoughts as he and Hannah continued to walk side by side down the sandy path, heading back the way they’d come. Just as he began to get lost in his thoughts again, Hannah’s voice broke the silence. “Look up,” she said. Joe noticed that her eyes turned to the sky, pointing to a cluster of stars. “Do you see that pattern over there?” Joe followed her gaze, spotting a group of stars that former “W” shape. “Yeah, what about it?” “That’s Cassiopeia,” she explained, her voice soft. If he weren’t standing close to her, he wouldn’t have bests a word. “According to the myth, she was a queen who bragged that she and her daughter were more beautiful than the sea nymphs. The gods punished her by placing her in the sky, but she’s upside down half the time.” Joe raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “So, she’s forced to sit in the sky forever, upside down half the time, just because she was confident?” Hannah laughed. “Well, I suppose that’s one way t

“Don’t tell me you believe him?” Joe leaned forward. He had had enough of Timothy’s lies and couldn’t bear to listen. Lady Penelope turned to look at Joe. “I’m sorry, but he won me over with his story.” At the sound of her words, Timothy smirked, and Joe shook his head continuously. “He’s lying,” Joe said with a bold tone. “Hannah and I are not an item neither are we counting the days to our anniversary.” “He’s only saying this because he’s shy, Mom,” Timothy said, and Joe rolled his eyes. “You don’t ever give up.” He said with a feral tone. “This isn’t about giving up. I’m just saying what I believe it’s true and know it’s true,” Timothy said, lifting his hands in defense. “And besides, I know you are going to admit that I’m right sooner or later.” “In your dreams,” Joe said, and Timothy was about to respond when Lady Penelope stood on their feet. “It’s time for me to head back to the estate for my afternoon nap.” She said with a voice that sounded like she was looking forw

Joe shifted on the wooden bench in the park, his fingers brushing over the piece of paper his father had left behind. The sunlight filtered through the trees, flashing against Hannah, who sat cross-legged beside him. “So, what did you find in the safe?” Hannah asked, looking at him. Joe had been telling her about the letter Lady Penelope handed to him and how it led him to the safe. “Joe,” Hannah called out my name, and Joe peered at her. “I found a letter that said, if you’re reading this, it means I’m gone, and then some code attached to the bottom,” Joe said, breaking the silence. He moved the crumpled sheet in his hands after he said those words. “Let me see,” Hannah said, reaching for it. She unfolded the paper carefully and studied it. Joe leaned back, rubbing his temples. “I think my father wanted me to figure out something… but I don’t even know where to start.” Hannah’s brow furrowed as she examined the lines and symbols on the paper. “Then figure it out,” she sai