Leonard opened his mouth. But nothing came out.

Clear.

Sure.

—My name is Ethan.

The other:

—And I am Noah.

A pause.

—And we are his children.

The world stopped.

Leonard closed his eyes.

One second.

When he opened them…

There was no more arrogance.

Just fear.

« This is madness, » he tried to say. « There’s no proof. »

I smiled.

—Always so strategic.

I took out an envelope.

—Legal evidence.

DNA tests.

Signed documents.

I gave them to him.

His hands were trembling.

« Why…? » she whispered. « Why now? »

I looked at him.

Directly.

—Because you invited me.

Silence.

—You wanted to show how far you had come.

I took a step closer.

—But you forgot something.

A pause.

—Me too.

The guests were no longer whispering.