Yes, that was definitely hostility. He thought about it for a second-he hadn''t done anything to offend McNeiltely, had he?


    "Let''s grab the cotton candy and head out. We''ll take Gwyn to y, so you don''t have to stick around."


    Every word out of McNeil''s mouth made it clear he didn''t want Marcus there. Only then did Marcus remember-he was supposed to be buying cotton candy for Max.


    "Wait, where''s Gwyn?"


    Violet snapped out of the cold war between the two men, suddenly realizing that Gwh was nowhere to be seen.


    At that moment, Gwh was weaving through the crowd in the central square, searching for Max and Victoria. But there were so many people, she circled around and couldn''t spot them anywhere. Only when she stopped did she realize she''d gotten separated from her dad and Violet.


    "Dad? Violet?"


    Panic crept in—a rare feeling for her as she looked everywhere, but saw no sign of McNeil or Violet.


    That''s when the fear really hit her. Tears welled up and spilled over, rolling down her cheeks like beads.


    "Gwyn-!"


    Back where McNeil and Violet were, they''d also started searching for Gwh. "I''ll drop off the cotton candy and help look for her."


    Realizing how serious things were, Marcus hurried off in the direction of Max and Victoria.


    McNeil shot a cold nce Marcus''s way, just in time to spot Victoriaughing as she talked to Max. For some reason, a sharp pang twisted in his chest. He tore his eyes away and forced himself to focus on finding his daughter.


    "Uncle Marcus, what took you so long?"


    Max looked up as Marcus arrived, the sparkler in his hand burnt out.


    "Gwh''s missing."


    Marcus handed over the cotton candy to Max and Victoria. Victoria''s eyes widened instantly. "Gwh?"


    "Yeah, she''s a friend''s daughter. We were just buying cotton candy together, and then she disappeared. You two stay put, don''t wander off. I''ll help look for her and meet you back here. Fannie, please keep an eye on Max. Don''t let him run off."


    Marcus was gone in a sh, leaving Victoria with a knot of worry in her chest. How could Gwh have gone missing here?


    "I''ll help look for her."


    Victoria had known Gwyn since she was born-she''d watched her grow up, practically raised her. The thought of something happening to the little girl made her heart ache.


    "I want to help too, Miss Fannie. You don''t know what Gwh looks like, but I do. Let mee with you."


    Max didn''t know about Victoria''s bond with Gwh, and there was no way Victoria could leave a five-year-old alone. So she took Max''s hand, and together they started searching.


    Four adults and one child fanned out across the crowded square, calling Gwh''s name.


    "Mr. Langford—!"


    Max, sharp-eyed, spotted McNeil while searching with Victoria. Hearing his name, McNeil slowed down and turned,ing face to face with Victoria holding Max''s hand as they approached.


    His expression soured even more. Because of Max, he didn''t immediately turn and walk away. Instead, he gave Victoria a sarcastic little smile when he caught her anxious gaze.


    "Busy, aren''t you?"


    Max didn''t catch the bite in McNeil''s words. Victoria looked at McNeil, a sharp pain tugging at her heart.


    She took a shaky breath, lips trembling. "Gwyn''s missing. Do you have any idea where she might have gone?"


    McNeil''s reply was ice-cold: "Take care of whoever you want. My daughter isn''t your concern."


    Just then, Max spotted a familiar figure in the distance that looked like Gwh. He immediately slipped free of Victoria''s grasp and dashed toward her.


    "McNeil, I''m not here to argue. If you''re going to bring a child, you should at least keep an eye on her."


    Five-year-olds-how could two adults let her wander off like that?


    McNeil bristled at her usation, anger ring up.


    "Keep an eye on her? Clearly, you and Marcus are better at watching kids.


    Finalize the divorce soon-just as you said, I want custody of Gwyn."


    He didn''t spare Victoria another nce, turning away to keep searching for Gwh.


    Victoria had no energy left to argue. She and McNeil split up, each heading in a different direction.


    Max ran up to the girl he''d spotted, slowing as he drew near so he wouldn''t scare her. He called out softly, "Gwh?"


    Gwh was crouched on the ground, hugging her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks. At the sound of her name, she looked up, and Max''s face filled her vision.


    For a moment, both kids just stared at each other-one with relief, the other suddenly bursting into tears as she threw her arms around Max, sobbing into his chest.


    "Max, I can''t find Dad or Violet!"


    Max and Gwh were the same age, but he was a head taller—she clung to him like a little ornament, refusing to let go.


    It was the first time she''d ever called him just "Max," and instantly, something soft melted inside him.


    Gwh was truly frightened this time, clutching Max and crying so hard she could barely catch her breath.


    Max reached up and awkwardly wiped away her tears, watching her sob like a precious porcin doll. Strangely, most of his usual annoyance with her vanished.


    "Don''t cry, Gwh. My uncle, Miss Fannie, and your dad are all looking for you. Come on, I''ll take you to them, okay?"


    He took her hand, and Gwh grabbed his like a lifeline, clinging tight and refusing to let go.


    Just then, Max spotted Victoria still searching nearby. He waved his right hand high and shouted, "Miss Fannie! Over here!"


    With Gwh walking side by side with Max, Victoria drew closer. As soon as Gwh recognized her mother, she quietly slipped her hand out of Max''s grasp.