He was thinner, his face scarred, and he avoided eye contact. After a brief moment of shock, Howard and Jacky moved forward.

“Mr. Ziegler,” they called softly, their voices low but audible.

Paul slowly lifted his head at the familiar sound. His movement was hesitant and deliberate. When he finally looked up, his eyes met theirs. For a moment, recognition sparked, then faded. He seemed poised to greet them, but years of habit intervened. Just as emotion flickered, his expression settled into neutrality; he nodded.

The changes in Paul, his instinctive reactions, tugged at their hearts, bringing tears to their eyes.

Skylar approached. “Mr. Ziegler, this is Jipsburg. You’re home now.” Here, no one could harm him. She believed he would regain his confidence.

Paul turned sharply at her voice, his eyes widening in surprise, quickly filling with tears. His hands clenched. He watched as Skylar repeatedly whispered, “I’m sorry.”

He felt he had failed to protect Joe, that he didn't deserve to be Joe's assistant. He seemed trapped in a terrifying cycle, endlessly repeating those words.

Skylar's expression shifted. “Listen to me. You haven’t let anyone down. We know what happened.”

Howard’s face was pale. “Mr. Ziegler, look at us,” he said, taking deep breaths to compose himself. But Paul remained unreachable, continuing his apologies.