Hearing those words, Zac's hands tightened involuntarily. Ha... so in the end, this man still despised me for being an illegitimate child. Yet before Zac could push Zane away, the man's calm, steady voice continued. "If the Yarbrough family were to fall from grace one day, how could I leave behind an inheritance for you to carry on? How could I ensure that you and your mother live out your days in peace and comfort?" Zac's hands, which were about to push him away, paused for a brief moment. It was such a small gesture, barely perceptible, but Zane noticed. The smile in his eyes deepened. "Originally, all I ever wanted as your father was not for you to be someone extraordinary. I didn't expect you to achieve great fame or power. I only wished for you to live a safe, healthy life. One that is free from the burdens I carry and from the constant fear and caution that rule my days. That's why I refused to acknowledge you. That's why I even stopped you from going to university." Zane continued, "At the time, I just thought if I could make enough money, I could leave you and your mother with enough to live comfortably for the rest of your lives. But later, I realized that didn't make you happy. I shouldn't have shackled your life with my own fears. You have your own dreams... your own ambitions. You are a man destined to forge your own path! I shouldn't have made decisions for you. I shouldn't have forced my will upon you." These heartfelt words flowed into Zac's ears, softening the walls around his heart. As a child who had endured so much grievance, what could be more powerful, more healing, than the awakening of a parent's heart? These were the words he had yearned to hear for so long. Now, finally, they had been spoken. His eyes were brimming with tears. He no longer resisted Zane's approach. Instead, he leaned forward into his father's embrace and let out a low, choked sob. So this was how he had felt all along. It turned out that the man had denied their relationship and had stopped him from pursuing higher education, not out of cruelty, but because he simply wanted his son to live a safe, ordinary life. Indeed. If he had gone to university in Seacity or Evergrand City, it would have only been a matter of time before someone uncovered his identity. Having grown up in an elite family, Zac understood all too well. The higher one's position, the more cautious one had to be. And as he grew older, he could no longer hide behind the excuse of being 'just a child.' Especially with Zane being a politician, a man constantly under scrutiny and surrounded by countless watchful eyes. And now, this man had awakened and had chosen to respect him. This was something many parents failed to do in their entire lives. From the depths of his heart, without even realizing it, Zac had already forgiven Zane. More than that, he even found himself making excuses for him, justifying his actions. Zane gently patted his back again and again, comforting him like any ordinary, loving father. But only he himself knew, even in this moment, his heart was still full of calculation. He was not like Zac. Zac longed for a father's warmth, especially after the death of John. Drowning in guilt and loss, he craved his biological father's recognition and love all the more. But Zane was different. He already had two biological sons. He had long grown accustomed to playing the role of a father. To him, Zac was a son only when he held value. Once he lost that value, he would be discarded like worn-out shoes, not even worthy of a second glance. After all, Zac had never grown up by his side. Zane had no emotional attachment to him. In fact, when Zac was born, Zane had not even gone to see him. Back then, Renee had secretly carried his child, and by the time he found out, she had already gone to South City, and the child was nearly full-term. Because of this, Zane ignored Renee for a full eight years. It was not until Zac was eight when Renee schemed to send him to the Gray family and tricked John into believing he was his own illegitimate child. Then she returned to Zane's side. Only then did Zane reluctantly accept her again and let her continue as his secret lover, hidden in the shadows. But Zac knew nothing about all of this. All he knew was that he had finally, finally gained his father's love. He even blamed himself, thinking he had wronged Zane all this time and misunderstanding his father's good intentions, while he had resented the world and nearly made a grave mistake.Zac quietly rejoiced in his heart. Thank goodness. Thank goodness I had come here today. Thank goodness I hadn't gone too far down the wrong path. Finally, Zane looked him in the eyes, his gaze serious, and asked, "Zac, I was wrong. Will you forgive me, just this once?" His voice was filled with sincerity, like a remorseful father finally realizing his mistake, humbly asking for his son's forgiveness. Seeing that, the last defenses in Zac's heart crumbled completely. Facing those earnest, heartfelt eyes, how could a child who had yearned for fatherly love for so long possibly hold back any longer?