412: Revelations at the Dinner Table

As the dinner concluded, Maxwell's remarks about fighting hung awkwardly in the air, eliciting nothing more than a collective eye roll from the siblings. Yet, his laughter lingered as Emma and Bauer prepared to step outside, leaving Maxwell mumbling complaints to an empty room. Emma couldn't help but feel a tinge of irritation as she grabbed her coat, turning to Bauer with a more serious tone. "If you're meeting with Alex, try to keep it civil, okay? Last time you two couldn't even hold a conversation without throwing punches." Bauer nodded, the memory of their last tumultuous encounter making him grimace. "I know, I know. It was foolish, and it won't happen again. I promise to handle it differently this time." As they stepped out into the cool night air, Emma paused, her hand on Bauer's arm. "Just... be careful, alright? Things are already complicated enough without adding more fuel to the fire." Bauer offered her a reassuring smile, his hand briefly squeezing hers. "I will. And