Alexander's features froze at the mention of the Black Phantoms.
"H-How do you know that?" he asked cautiously, trying to act calm.
Xiajun widened his eyes in surprise. "Wait, so you already knew?"
Alexander shrugged, avoiding eye contact. "Yes. . . No. . . Well, it's complicated."
"I have time."
Alexander inhaled deeply on his cigarette, as if preparing himself. The room stank of smoke and expensive cologne. The clock on the wall ticked ominously in the background as Alexander found himself hesitating.
"I named my son Leonard because I thought he would grow up to be a reliable young man with a strong sense of righteousness. We had such high hopes. . ." He paused, inhaling on his cigarette. ". . .An expensive private school, a good nanny, a sports instructor. . . I did everything I could so he could fulfill mine and my wife's dreams, but none of us were ready for how things really turned out."
