Zane poured a cup of tea for Zac and handed it to him. "Have some tea. Let's eat and talk together today, just the two of us - father and son." His tone was casual, yet laced with a detached courtesy. The phrase "father and son" sent a shiver through Zac's heart. Father and son. Hah. Yes, we were father and son, weren't we? Zac didn't reach for the tea. Instead he spoke coldly. "I stayed a long time in Seacity. I wonder if Mr. Zane knew that?" The address, Mr. Zane, made Zane's heart sink. Mr. Zane? In the past, I would have scolded him for such disrespect and blamed Renee for not raising him right. But now he had entered the circle of the Tremo family in Evergrand City. I needed him to secure a connection with the powerful Tremo family. I could no longer reprimand him. Instead of answering directly, Zane said, "Zac, I am your biological father. That's an unchangeable fact. You should call me Dad." He emphasized the word Dad, his voice firm. Although I had once refused to acknowledge Zac, the boy was still my son. Accustomed to authority, Zane could not tolerate being challenged - especially not by his own flesh and blood. Zac let out a mocking laugh. He met Zane's simmering anger with indifference and repeated, "I asked if Mr. Zane knew I was staying in Seacity for a long time." His tone and the repeated use of "Mr. Zane" said it all. Zane studied him in silence before finally sighing. "Zac, I admit I was wrong in the past. I was... busy. Too busy to make time for you."He paused, then continued with feigned remorse, "Now that we're finally together, let's put the past behind us. Let's just share a meal and talk, okay?" "Busy?" Zac's laughter was sharp with anger. His eyes turned icy. "What about my college, then?" He shot up and glared at Zane. "Why didn't you let me go to college?! Do you have any idea how much I suffered in that tiny room?! When the semester started, everyone else went to school - except me! I was trapped there! I couldn't even leave!!" He jabbed a finger at Zane, releasing years of pent-up anger. "You just didn't want anyone to know I was your son! You were ashamed of having an illegitimate child!" His outburst drained him. Slumping back into his chair, Zac covered his face in despair. "If you never wanted me... why did you even bring me into this world?! Why?!" His voice broke in agony. I had asked myself this question countless times. Why was I born? Once I thought I had a purpose - to protect Renee, my birth mother. I believed I had a duty. But then I discovered the truth. Renee had sent me to John not out of love but because she didn't want me - a burden - to ruin her relationship with Zane. She had used me to cheat John out of my fortune. This revelation shattered him. I no longer knew why I existed. What was the point of my life? Zane was stunned by Zac's outburst. He hadn't expected the depth of his son's resentment. He'd expected anger, but not this raw rage.Still, it was for the best. Once Zac vented, he could be calmed - and then manipulated. After a long silence, Zane stood up and approached Zac. He put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Zac. I failed you. I was a terrible father." Although Zac recoiled inwardly, he couldn't deny that this was the first time he felt anything resembling warmth from Zane. As much as he hated to admit it, the ice in his heart was thawing, just a little. Seeing no resistance, Zane allowed himself a small smile. He softened his voice. "Zac, even the cruelest beast would not harm its own child. Of course I wanted you to take the Yarbrough name. You're my son." He sighed, feigning sorrow. "But you know my position. If people found out I had an illegitimate child... it would ruin my career."