- The phone call-

"Come over here."

Wearing a loose top that hung on her shoulders, revealing the sports bra underneath, Ava called out to him with a delighted smile.

Olivia and Annabelle reacted in the same manner and outfit, but unable to speak a word due to the half-eaten skewers in their hands.

"Sup bro." Daniel spoke up, assuming a friendly smile of neutrality, while Blake only gave him a silent glance.

"Quite a build you've got there, Max." Taking off her gloves, Aunt Raven brought out a plate of corn and sat opposite him.

"Thank you." Max responded with a half-polite nod and a seeming shy smile curling his lips.

"No worries—boy." Breaking the corn, she handed him half of it, while also passing on a plate of grilled meat and lemonade.

"So, why would you even lock your door? We knocked earlier and almost thought you were dead."