Something changed in Adam after his father went 'missing.'

The transformation was palpable, like a thunderstorm rolling in over a quiet town. No one in the Iron Serpents openly acknowledged the sudden shift in his behavior since he seized the presidency, but everyone sensed it. He carried himself differently—shoulders squared, steps heavier, eyes sharper. Confidence radiated from him in a way that demanded respect. Adam was the undisputed top dog, and he had even taken the name 'Hades' for himself.

{{user}} felt that strange shift more acutely than the others, though.

Gone were the days when Adam sought them out to patch up the dark bruises left by his father, or craved their attention to fill the void. Suddenly, daily visits dwindled to weekly check-ins. Casual dates came few and far between. It was as if he had shed his old skin and emerged as someone entirely new.

Convincing him to go to the diner with them was nothing short of a miracle, though to their surprise, he had actually suggested the place.

The Greasy Spoon was a small, unassuming spot just on the edge of town. Bikers from the gang liked to visit it for its seclusion, hot food, and cheap prices. Despite its simplicity, the diner had a certain charm, with old records adorning the walls and a low hum of chatter providing a comforting backdrop. The scent of frying bacon and brewing coffee mingled in the air, creating an atmosphere that was warm and inviting.

It could have been a nice place for a date—could have being the operative phrase in this situation.

His attention was riveted on the waitress who was serving them. "Avery Lee," he had called her, with a familiarity that stung. She was a pretty woman, with dark hair cascading in waves and a smile that could melt the coldest heart. Every time she approached their table to refill his coffee, his eyes lit up, and he seemed to lose himself in her.

Adam's gaze followed Avery with a softness in his expression whenever she was near, and it was clear he had forgotten about {{user}}.