CHATBOT: INT. KENDALL ROY'S LUXURY APARTMENT - NIGHT The camera pans through the opulent venue adorned with extravagant decorations, a live band playing in the background, and an eclectic mix of high-profile guests engaged in animated conversations, holding glasses of expensive champagne. Among them, movers and shakers from the business world, celebrities, and of course, the Roy family members, all save for the youngest, SARAH ROSE "ROSIE" ROY. CUT TO: EXT. KENDALL'S APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT A sleek, black car pulls up in front of the building. The back door opens, and SARAH ROSE, 24, elegant yet with a touch of unease in her demeanor, steps out. She takes a deep breath, staring at the entrance, steeling herself. CUT TO: INT. KENDALL ROY'S APARTMENT - ENTRANCE - NIGHT Sarah enters, her gaze sweeping across the room. She's immediately engulfed in the pulsating music and chatter, her presence barely noticed amid the sea of partygoers. She hesitates, then begins to navigate through the crowd, her eyes searching. SUDDENLY, Kendall spots her from across the room. He breaks away from his conversation, a genuine smile crossing his face, and approaches Sarah. KENDALL Rosie! You made it! He wraps her in a warm, albeit slightly awkward hug. Sarah manages a small, somewhat reserved smile, returning the hug. SARAH ROSE I wouldn't miss it, Kendall. Happy Birthday. Their exchange is sincere, a momentary respite from the surrounding chaos. Kendall's demeanor shifts slightly, his usual cockiness tempered by her presence. KENDALL I'm glad you're here. You know, if it gets too much, there's a quieter spot upstairs. SARAH ROSE Thanks, Kendall. That means a lot. A beat. Their connection is palpable, hinting at deeper bonds formed during her tumultuous youth. KENDALL Have you seen Rava and the kids? SARAH ROSE Not yet, but I hope to. Before the conversation can continue, Kendall is pulled away by another guest demanding his attention. Sarah smiles understandingly, slightly lost as Kendall is submerged back into the party. CUT TO: Sarah meanders through the crowd, observing her surroundings with a mix of fascination and detachment. Eventually, she spots RAVA from a distance, engaged in a conversation with some guests. Rava catches Sarah's glance and excuses herself, walking over with open arms. RAVA Sarah, it's so good to see you. They hug, a genuine affection shared between them. SARAH ROSE You too, Rava. The kids? RAVA (smiling) Upstairs, avoiding the madness. They'd love to see you...

CHATBOT: FADE IN: INT. KENDALL ROY'S LUXURY APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS The music pumps louder as the camera follows SARAH ROSE navigating her way back into the heart of the party. Despite the cacophony, there's a sense of detachment in her movements, an observer among participants. She pauses now and then, offering smiles and nods to acquaintances, yet continues to move, untouched by the revelry. CUT TO: INT. KENDALL ROY'S APARTMENT - LIVING AREA - CONTINUOUS RAVA navigates her way through the crowd, her expression thoughtful amid the blur of partygoers. She spots KENDALL laughing loudly with a group, a sparkler in his hand, the life of the party. She waits for a lull before approaching. RAVA Kendall? Kendall turns, the haze of his amusement fading slightly as he refocuses on Rava. KENDALL Rava! What's up? RAVA Have you seen Sarah tonight? She seemed... a bit off. KENDALL Yeah, saw her. Rosie's fine, she's tough. Why? Rava hesitates, the concern evident in her eyes. RAVA She's been staying over a lot. At my place. Says she's been out drinking but... She trails off, searching Kendall's face for some sign of understanding, or concern. KENDALL (distractedly) Yeah? Well, that's Rosie for you, right? Always been a bit of a wanderer. She's cool. Rava sighs, slightly frustrated with Kendall's dismissive tone. RAVA Maybe. Just... keep an eye on her, okay? For me? Kendall gives Rava a noncommittal nod, his attention already drifting back to the party. The charm and charisma can't quite hide a flicker of concern that crosses his face, but it's quickly masked by the party persona he's slipped back into. KENDALL Sure, Rava. Anything for you. Rava nods, unconvinced, but decides to let it go for the moment. She gives Kendall a small, tight-lipped smile before turning and walking away. A moment of worry lingers in her expression before she's swallowed up by the crowd. CUT TO: Sarah Rose, now at the outskirts of the dance floor, watches the scene unfold from a distance. She sips her drink, the noise around her fading into a distant hum. Her expression is unreadable, lost in thought--or perhaps in the lack thereof, a brief escape from whatever weighs on her. In a moment of decision, Sarah turns away from the crowd and makes her way to the staircase. The allure of the party, the music, the laughter, all seem to fall away as she ascends the stairs, seeking the quietude and perhaps, the solace of the company of her niece and nephew upstairs. FADE OUT.

CHATBOT: INT. KENDALL ROY'S PENTHOUSE - NIGHT The penthouse is pulsating with loud music, bathed in flashing colorful lights and filled with a mix of the city's elite and eccentric personalities. Guests mingle, laughter and the clink of glasses punctuate the air. Into this overwhelming scene steps SARAH ROSE, a young woman with an uncertain aura, clutching her small purse like a lifeline. She pauses just inside the entrance, taking a moment to steel herself. CUT TO: Sarah making her way through the crowd, her expression a mixture of discomfort and determination. She's searching for familiar faces but finds none immediately. A GUEST bumps into her, spilling his drink. He barely mumbles an apology before disappearing into the crowd. Sarah grimaces but continues, clearly out of her element. SARAH (V.O.) I always feel like I'm wading through someone else's dream at these things. Too bright, too loud... too much. Sarah's eyes finally land on KENDALL, her older brother, surrounded by a group of people all vying for his attention. He's the man of the hour, laughing and animated, a stark contrast to how Sarah feels. She hesitates, then takes a breath and approaches. Just as she gets close, RAVA, Kendall's ex-wife, appears beside him. Kendall's demeanor changes ever so slightly, more guarded now. Sarah stops in her tracks, watching them. SARAH (V.O.) Kendall and Rava... somehow, they always seemed like the stable ones. Funny how things change. Kendall glances up and spots Sarah. His face breaks into a genuine smile, a rarity tonight. KENDALL Sarah Rose! You made it! He excuses himself from the group and moves towards her, opening his arms for a hug. Sarah moves in, the action familiar and comforting. They break apart, and Kendall studies her for a moment. KENDALL You good? You look a bit... I don't know, overwhelmed? SARAH This isn't exactly my scene anymore. But I wouldn't miss your birthday. RAVA approaches, adding a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. RAVA Sarah, it's good to see you. You've grown so much. Sarah offers a small, albeit genuine smile back. SARAH It's good to see you too, Rava. How's Iverson? RAVA He's good, growing fast. He wanted to come, but it's way past his bedtime. KENDALL Hey, Sarah, let's grab a drink, yeah? We can catch up. I've got, like, a million stories to tell you. Sarah nods, glancing once more around the room. It's clear her discomfort hasn't entirely faded, but being near Kendall, and even Rava, seems to ground her. SARAH (V.O.) Maybe ...

CHATBOT: INT. KENDALL ROY'S PENTHOUSE - NIGHT The camera sweeps through a luxury penthouse alive with thumping music, swirling lights, and a mishmash of New York's glitterati engaged in animated conversations, dancing, and more than a few illicit activities tucked away in shadowed corners. SARAH ROSE enters, a figure of both intrigue and discomfort, her eyes scanning the lavish scene with a measured apprehension. CUT TO: Sarah tentatively navigates through the crowd, her body language a mix of hesitation and resolve. She dodges a couple of overly enthusiastic partygoers, her gaze fixed on a familiar face in the distance. We find KENDALL surrounded by a sea of people, the epicenter of attention. He's animated, his laughter carrying over the music, a drink in one hand and occasionally gesturing with the other, possibly under the influence. SARAH (V.O.) There he is, Kendall in his element. And here I am, wondering why I thought tonight would be any different. Sarah takes a deep breath and strides forward. As she approaches, Kendall's eye catches hers; his face lights up with recognition and something akin to genuine affection. KENDALL Rosie! Haha, wow, look at you! You came! He pulls her into a somewhat clumsy hug, the smell of alcohol and the sharper scent of something else mingling in the air around him. Sarah returns the hug, grounding herself in the familiarity. KENDALL (stepping back, still holding her shoulders) You're looking great. Man, this is fantastic, you should meet-- His words trail off as his attention snaps to someone calling his name. He gives Sarah an apologetic look as he's momentarily distracted, trying to focus back on her. SARAH (trying to smile through the awkwardness) It's okay, Kendall. I see you're busy. I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. Kendall's gaze, though trying to stay on Sarah, flickers around the room, tracking multiple conversations and stimuli. KENDALL (sincerely, but scattered) Yeah, yeah, totally. Thanks, Rosie. We should... catch up. Have you seen Rava yet? She's here somewhere... You guys have been hanging out a lot, huh? Before Sarah can answer, RAVA appears, elegance in amidst chaos, her expression softening as she sees Sarah. RAVA Sarah, it's good to see you here. Sarah turns to Rava, a small haven of normalcy in the storm of the party. SARAH Rava. Yeah, it's been... nice, seeing the kids in the morning. An awkward silence falls for a moment as Kendall tries to balance his attention between the ongoing party and his...

CHATBOT: **INT. KENDALL'S LUXURIOUS PENTHOUSE - NIGHT** *The environment is pulsating with the sound of electronic music, the walls adorned with modern art, flickering lights casting shadows over the faces of New York's elite who are scattered around, engaging in conversations over glasses of expensive champagne or showcasing awkward dance moves. SARAH ROSE, a young woman of 24 with an ethereal presence, navigates through the crowd, her movements hesitant, her face showcasing a mixture of discomfort and determination.* *She reaches the quieter, dimly lit corridor leading to Kendall's private study, her steps slowing down as muffled voices of confrontation reach her ears. The voices grow louder, angrier, more distinct as she approaches.* **CUT TO:** **INT. KENDALL'S PRIVATE STUDY - CONTINUOUS** *The study is in disarray, papers scattered on the floor, a projector displaying paused stock market graphs on the wall. KENDALL, in the midst of his 40th birthday celebration, looks disheveled, his sharp suit slightly rumpled, his eyes wild with a mixture of rage and hurt. Opposite him stand SHIV and ROMAN, both equally imposing, engulfed in a verbal battle with Kendall.* *Sarah Rose hesitates at the doorway, her eyes widening at the scene before her. She takes a deep breath and steps forward, her voice trembling but firm.* *SARAH ROSE:* Guys, what's going on? Can we just -- *Her attempt to interject is quickly dismissed.* *SHIV:* (without looking at her) Not now, Rosie. *The argument escalates; ROMAN's words are cutting, SHIV's stance defensive, KENDALL visibly straining under their combined assault. Roman's viciousness paints him as the antagonist in this familial drama.* *SARAH ROSE:* (louder, desperate to be heard) Stop it! Please, just stop! *Her plea hangs in the air, ignored. Their bitter exchange continues, unyielding. SARAH ROSE'S frustration grows; her eyes flicker with unresolved emotions, her stance shifts from tentative to determined.* *SARAH ROSE:* (cutting through the noise) Enough! *The room falls silent; three pairs of eyes finally fix on her. For a moment, she seems to grow, no longer the overlooked youngest but a force in her own right.* *SARAH ROSE:* (voice steady, resonating with uncharacteristic authority) Kendall, I was going to say goodbye, but this... is this really what we're now? What you three are now? *KENDALL looks at her, a flicker of apology in his eyes, the facade of anger momentarily breaking.* KENDALL: Rosie, this is not -- *SARAH ROSE:* (c...

CHATBOT: **EXT. KENDALL'S LUXURIOUS PENTHOUSE - NIGHT** *The party is in full swing, the open-plan penthouse thrumming with the sound of electronic music, guests milling about with glasses of expensive champagne. The lighting is vibrant, flickering in time with the bass, illuminating faces of the New York elite. SARAH ROSE moves through the crowd, her presence almost ethereal among the chaos, her expression one of discomfort mixed with a hint of resolve.* *In a less crowded corner of the penthouse, close enough to the heart of the party to be considered public, yet just secluded enough for a semblance of privacy, KENDALL, SHIV, and ROMAN are locked in a heated conversation that quickly escalates into an argument, their voices raised just enough to be heard over the music.* **CUT TO:** **EXT. KENDALL'S PENTHOUSE - PARTY IN PROGRESS - CONTINUOUS** *SARAH ROSE approaches the trio, her steps slowing as she catches the tail end of a particularly cruel barb from ROMAN to KENDALL. KENDALL's face is tense, his jaw clenched in frustration, while SHIV stands with a posture that suggests she's ready to jump into the fray at any moment.* *SARAH ROSE's attempts to intercede are timid but determined.* *SARAH ROSE:* Guys? Can we not do this here? *Her voice barely cuts through the thumping bass of the music and is effortlessly ignored. SHIV doesn't even glance her way, too caught up in the argument.* *With her intervention failing, SARAH ROSE steps back, her expression one of defeat. The argument between her siblings continues, growing more intense, more personal. SARAH ROSE, feeling out of place and increasingly uncomfortable, scans the crowd, her eyes searching, perhaps for CONNOR, the eldest sibling, or maybe just an escape.* *As she stands there, a silent observer to her siblings' descent into cruelty, her gaze wanders over the faces of the partygoers - strangers lost in revelry, oblivious to the familial drama unfolding. Her isolation within her own family becomes starkly apparent, juxtaposed against the backdrop of the chaotic celebration.* *The camera lingers on SARAH ROSE's face, capturing the complexity of her emotions - a mixture of resignation, sadness, and a deep-seated yearning for familial unity that seems increasingly unattainable.* **CUT TO:** *SARAH ROSE's perspective shifts as she gazes across the sea of faces, her sense of belonging to this world, to this family, fraying at the edges. The argument between her siblings fades into the background, their words beco...

CHATBOT: INT. KENDALL'S LUXURIOUS GUEST ROOM - DAY The room is bathed in soft, natural light filtering through the sheer curtains. SARAH ROSE "ROSIE" ROY, 24, with a disheveled yet inherently glamorous aura, sits curled up on an oversized armchair, a book forgotten on her lap. Her demeanor speaks of restless nights and a soul seeking solace in the quiet. The door opens, and ROMAN ROY, her older brother, steps in. He's the epitome of casual power, with a confident swagger that fills the room. Behind him stands a man whose presence seems paradoxically both imposing and reassuring - LEVI ACKERMAN. Levi's physicality is notable, slender but undeniably muscular, not much taller than Rosie's petite frame, with raven hair and intense, stone-gray eyes that seem to miss nothing. ROSIE looks up, confusion and a trace of annoyance flickering across her delicate features. ROSIE (surprised) Roman? What...? Roman grins, a mischievous spark in his eye, sensing Rosie's confusion but pushing forward with his agenda. ROMAN (spiritedly) Morning, Rosie! Brought you a present. Rosie arches an eyebrow, her gaze shifting to Levi, taking in his unassuming yet undeniably sturdy demeanor. ROSIE (skeptically) A... present? ROMAN (grinning, gesturing towards Levi) Meet Levi Ackerman, your new babysitter. Rosie's eyes widen, a mix of disbelief and irritation swirling within them. ROSIE (firmly, a hint of anger) Roman, I don't need a babysitter. I'm not a child. Roman, undeterred, continues, his tone taking on a rare seriousness. ROMAN (earnestly) Not a babysitter, then. Think of him as... personal security. 24/7. Levi stands silently, his gaze steady, giving nothing away. His posture is relaxed yet unmistakably alert. ROSIE (baffled, slightly exasperated) I can take care of myself, Roman. I don't need a bodyguard. ROMAN (resolute, stepping closer) After what happened, Rosie, you really think I'm going to take chances? He's not leaving your side. End of discussion. Rosie's face softens slightly, understanding the concern behind Roman's insistence. Yet her desire for independence clashes with the vulnerability she's been forced to confront. ROSIE (quietly, with a slight tremor) It's just... having someone shadow me every second? It feels like admitting defeat. Like he... won. Roman's expression softens, his usual facade of nonchalance giving way to genuine brotherly care. ROMAN (gently) Hey, no one won anything, okay? This is us, making sure you're safe. Because you're important. Because we... I...

CHATBOT: INT. KENDALL ROY'S PENTHOUSE - GUEST ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON The room is bathed in soft, golden light filtering in through the heavy drapes. SARAH ROSE, or Rosie as she's known, sits curled up in the large armchair by the window, a book lying forgotten in her lap as she stares out at the cityscape, lost in thought. There's a gentle yet persistent knock at the door. ROSIE (calling out softly) Yeah? The door opens and ROMAN ROY, her older brother, steps in, his signature smirk playing on his lips. He's not alone. Standing slightly behind him is LEVI ACKERMAN, a man exuding an air of quiet strength, his raven hair and stone gray eyes giving him a compelling presence. ROMAN (casually) Hey, Rosie. Got a minute? ROSIE (giving a small but trying smile) For you? Maybe just one. Roman chuckles, walking in with Levi in tow. Rosie's eyes flicker with curiosity and a trace of anxiety as they settle on Levi. ROSIE (slightly tense) What's this about, Roman? ROMAN (trying to appear nonchalant) Straight to the point. Okay, I'll bite. Rosie, meet Levi Ackerman. He's, uh, sort of a late birthday present, I guess. ROSIE (confused and a bit irritated) I don't need any more presents, Roman. Especially if they come in human form. Roman holds up a hand, preempting her protests. ROMAN Listen, I know you're not gonna love this, but after... everything, I can't just do nothing. Levi here is one of the best out there--in what he does. Which, for the record, is being a 24/7 bodyguard. Rosie's face falls, a mix of shock and resentment flashing in her eyes. ROSIE (dismayed) A bodyguard? Roman, I don't want-- ROMAN (firmly but with care) You don't have a say in this, Rosie. Look, I'm not blind. I saw how scared you were at Ken's party. You shouldn't have to feel that way, especially not in your own home. Levi steps forward, his voice smooth, calming. LEVI I understand your concerns, Ms. Roy. But I assure you, I'm here to ensure your safety and peace of mind. You won't even know I'm around unless you need me to be. Rosie looks between Roman and Levi, the fight draining out of her. Her bravado fades, revealing the vulnerability beneath. ROSIE (softly, almost to herself) I'm just so tired, Roman. Tired of being scared all the time. ROMAN (closing the distance, gently taking her hand) I know, Rosie. That's why Levi's here. So you can stop being scared. So you can start feeling safe again. Give it a chance, for me? Rosie meets Levi's gaze, searching for sincerity and finding an unwavering comm...

CHATBOT: FADE IN: INT. KENDALL ROY'S PENTHOUSE - KITCHEN - THE NEXT MORNING The kitchen is bright and bustling with the early rays of the sun. SARAH ROSE (ROSIE) stands by the coffee maker, pajamas on, her hair tousled from sleep. She looks over her shoulder and, as expected, LEVI ACKERMAN stands a respectful distance away, his expression unreadable, his posture alert. ROSIE (sarcastically) Glad to see you take your coffee black. Makes my life easier. LEVI (nods, stoic) I'm not here to make your life difficult, Ms. Roy. Only to ensure your safety. ROSIE (rolling her eyes) Right, because what's scarier than a caffeine-deprived me in the morning. There's a hint of a smirk playing on Levi's lips, so brief Rosie thinks she might have imagined it. She pours herself a coffee, the silence stretching out awkwardly. Levi's presence is unnerving, not because he's intimidating but because of how out of place the entire situation feels to her. She sits at the kitchen island, Levi taking a position where he can easily view the room's entrances and exits. ROSIE (muttering under her breath) I feel like I'm in some weird reality show. LEVI (calmly, without looking at her) Your safety is my priority, not your comfort. ROSIE (challenging) And who decided I'm not safe in my own brother's fortress of a penthouse? LEVI It's not about the location. It's about ensuring no harm comes to you, regardless of your surroundings. ROSIE (studying him, curious) What did Roman tell you about me? About all... this? LEVI (steady gaze) Only that you require protection. The specifics of why aren't important to my job. Rosie's taken aback by his detachment. Levi's demeanor is nothing if not professional, yet there's a hardness in his eyes, a resolve that suggests he's no stranger to dealing with difficult, even dangerous situations. Rosie wonders just how much of her family's notorious public image Levi is aware of, and how much Roman may have revealed about her recent trauma. ROSIE (bluntly) So, you know nothing about the Roy family circus? LEVI (indifferent) I know what's necessary. Personal details don't concern me as long as they don't interfere with my ability to protect you. ROSIE (half-laughing) You're going to find that everything about the Roys is an interference. Levi finally turns to look at her, his gaze intense yet not invasive. LEVI (firmly) Then I will deal with those interferences as they come. My focus is your safety, Ms. Roy. Nothing else. Rosie is frustrated, the futility of arguing ...

CHATBOT: **INT. KENDALL ROY'S PENTHOUSE - NIGHT** *The party is in full swing, with a cacophony of music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses melding into a single, overwhelming din. Amidst the chaos, SARAH ROSE, 24, slight and somewhat out of place in her elegant yet understated dress, makes her way through throngs of people. Her expression is a mix of determination and apprehension. She's on a mission: to find KENDALL and say goodbye.* *Sarah Rose navigates the party, her eyes scanning the room until they land on a hallway that leads to quieter, more secluded areas of the penthouse. She hesitates for a moment, taking a deep breath before moving forward.* **CUT TO:** **INT. KENDALL'S PENTHOUSE - PRIVATE LOUNGE - CONTINUOUS** *The music fades into a distant throb as Sarah Rose steps into the lounge. Here, the atmosphere is charged with a different kind of intensity. KENDALL, 40, sharp and visibly agitated, is locked in a heated argument with ROMAN, 37, who is equally combative, and SHIV, 39, who stands with an air of cool detachment.* *Kendall and Roman's voices rise and fall like a tempest, their words laced with venom. Shiv, meanwhile, seems content to watch the storm, her eyes flickering with an inscrutable emotion.* *Suddenly feeling like an intruder, Sarah Rose's resolve wavers. Yet she steels herself and steps forward.* SARAH ROSE (voice almost lost in the room's tension) Guys? Guys, can we just-- *Her attempt to intercede falls on deaf ears. Kendall and Roman are too embroiled in their personal vitriol to notice her, while Shiv merely glances her way, her expression unreadable.* SHIV (not now, barely a whisper) Not now, Rosie. *SARAH ROSE'S face falls, a mixture of disappointment and resignation painting her features. Yet there's a spark of something else in her eyes--a determination, perhaps born of years of being overlooked.* SARAH ROSE (her voice stronger this time, yet still trembling) Kendall. I'm leaving, I just wanted to say goodbye. *KENDALL barely acknowledges her, his eyes flicking in her direction for a mere second before returning to Roman. In that brief moment, though, there's a flicker of something akin to remorse.* KENDALL (brushing her off with a distracted) Yeah, yeah, sure, Rosie. Take care. *Roman and Shiv do not even offer her this much, completely absorbed in their conflict.* *SARAH ROSE stands there for a moment longer, her gaze sweeping over her siblings. They are embroiled in their world, a world from which she has always felt somew...

CHATBOT: **INT. KENDALL'S PENTHOUSE - PRIVATE LOUNGE - CONTINUOUS** *Time seems to slow as SARAH ROSE'S gaze lands on a figure across the room. Her breath catches in her throat, the sound of her siblings' argument fading into a distant echo. Her heart pounds against her ribcage, a frantic drumming that drowns out the surrounding party noise.* *Across the mass of bodies, the MAN in a waiter's uniform moves with an ease that belies his purpose here. His casual interaction with a partygoer doesn't mask the threat he poses--in Sarah Rose's eyes, he's a predator in plain sight. His voice, a familiar yet dread-inducing tenor, carries across the space, and Sarah Rose freezes, a prey instinctively knowing danger.* *As he begins to turn, possibly in her direction, panic claws its way up Sarah Rose's spine. Her mind screams for her to flee, to hide, but her body doesn't cooperate. Instead, she drops into a squat, her eyes glued to the floor as if by doing so, she could render herself invisible to the imminent threat.* *SHIV, who has been dismissive up to this point, finally notices the drastic change in Sarah Rose. Concern flits across her face, a rare crack in her composed exterior. She steps closer, her voice cutting through the lingering tension between the siblings.* SHIV (softly, concerned) Rosie? What's wrong? *But Sarah Rose is lost in her own world of fear, barely able to articulate the terror that's latched onto her.* SARAH ROSE (voice soft, trembling) Did he see me? Did he see me? *Her repetition is a whispered mantra, a hope against hope. Shiv follows Sarah Rose's gaze, but to her the party is just a blur of faces and nothing more.* *Roman and Kendall, still simmering from their own confrontation, catch onto the anomaly in Sarah Rose's behavior. The room, previously alive with the vigour of their argument, now holds a different kind of tension--one wrought with concern and confusion.* *SHIV, now fully attentive, scoots down to Sarah Rose's level, her initial irritation replaced by worry. She attempts to follow Sarah Rose's line of sight but finds only a crowded room of Kendall's eclectic guests.* SHIV (gently) Who, Rosie? Who are you talking about? *SARAH ROSE, still squatting, feels a labyrinth of emotions; fear standing tall amongst them. She can't bring herself to look up, can't risk locking eyes with the man from her nightmares.* *The loud ambiance of the party continues around them, oblivious to the turmoil unfolding in the corner of the room. Kendall and Rom...

CHATBOT: INT. BAU CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY The atmosphere in the room is tense, the air thick with unease as the BAU team gathers around the large, polished table. Images of the gruesome crime scene are displayed on a screen at the front, haunting the space with their brutality. JJ, standing confidently yet with a palpable weight of responsibility, clicks through the photos as she briefs the team. JJ: "Three bodies found in the past week, all within a ten-mile radius. Each victim was hacked up, legs brutalized in a way that's not just about killing... it's about sending a message." The team absorbs the details; some take notes, others just listen, their expressions grim. SARAH HALE, the youngest profiler, looks on, her pen paused mid-air, a storm of thoughts swirling behind her steady gaze. REID, seated across from Sarah, leans forward, his voice cutting through the heavy silence. REID: "The methodology, the brutality... it's reminiscent of the Butcher of Baltimore. The positional asphyxia, the specific mutilation of the legs..." Sarah's heart skips. The mention of the Butcher, a shadow from her past, sends a cold shiver down her spine. She masks her discomfort with a practiced calmness, interjecting before the conversation spirals further. SARAH: "It has to be a copycat. The Butcher of Baltimore's reign ended over a decade ago. It's too similar, too... convenient." GARCIA, tapping away at her computer from the end of the table, looks up, her expression thoughtful. GARCIA: "Statistically, it's rare for serial killers to stop without intervention, like incarceration... or death." SARAH: (forcing a neutral tone) "Exactly, and since there's been no trace of him for years, he's likely dead or behind bars for something else." Her words hang in the air, a veil of uncertainty draped over them. The team nods in agreement, though the seeds of doubt are planted. ROSSI, leaning back in his chair, eyes Sarah with a seasoned gaze, picking up on her slight discomfort. ROSSI: "You seem pretty sure about that theory, Sarah." Sarah feels the weight of the room's attention shift to her. She steadies her voice, her posture perfect, the consummate professional. SARAH: "It's the only explanation that fits. The Butcher... he was methodical, yes, but to replicate his work so closely after all this time? It feels like someone trying to reignite fear, not continuing an old game." The team considers her words, nodding in agreement as they circle back to the logistics of the case. HOTCH: "Our f...

CHATBOT: INT. BAU OFFICE - DAY The room is flooded with the sterile light of fluorescents, casting long, somber shadows across the desks laden with files and the ever-blinking screens of computers. SARAH and REID are hunched over a table cluttered with photos of the victims and detailed reports, their faces etched with concentration and the weariness of the task at hand. Initially, Sarah had felt a surge of relief, not being assigned to sift through the cold case files of the Butcher of Baltimore. The closer she stayed to the present, the further she could keep her past at bay. Yet, as she and Reid delve deeper into the victims' lives and the gruesome details of their ends, a familiar sense of dread begins to coil within her. REID, flipping through a file, pauses on a high-resolution photo of one of the victim's mutilated legs. The precision of the wounds, the almost surgical removal of the flesh, puzzles him. REID: "This doesn't fit the typical slashing and hacking. It's meticulous, almost like the killer had a knowledge of... It's too precise." Sarah, her gaze locked on the photo, feels a chill creep up her spine. The image, a mirror of her deepest, darkest memories, brings a flood of unwanted feelings. She recognizes the technique, the careful flaying of the flesh, a method she had seen once, performed by her father in the shadowed corners of her childhood home, before her mother took her and fled from the nightmare they lived in. SARAH: (clears her throat, masking her turmoil) "It's... It's a hunter's technique. For skinning. Makes the process... cleaner, helps preserve the integrity of what's... left." Her voice is steady, but there's a hint of something else beneath the surface--a flicker of something raw and haunted. Reid looks up from the file, his sharp gaze catching the briefest shadow of fear across Sarah's face before she can hide it. REID: "That's... oddly specific knowledge for a BAU profiler." Sarah meets his gaze, her eyes an unyielding facade of professionalism, yet something softer, something vulnerable flickers beneath. SARAH: "I read a lot. Odd facts stick with me." Reid doesn't push further, sensing the boundary she puts up. Yet, his mind files away her reaction, a puzzle piece that doesn't quite fit. They continue their work in silence, the tension of the unspoken stretching thin between them. Sarah focuses on the files, but her thoughts drift, unbidden, to the past she's worked so hard to outrun. Each victim's photo, each documented wound, is...