Chapter One Hundred& Sixty

The dinner dragged on until everyone had finished, the clinking of cutlery against plates gradually subsiding. Lucas pushed his half-eaten meal around his plate, stealing glances at his father and Emma, who seemed lost in thought. Finally, his father cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

"I'll talk to Mr. Quinn to see what we can do about the contract," he began, his voice laced with a hint of weariness. "When it's sorted, I'll let you know." He pushed his chair back and started to walk away from the dining room table. Halfway to the door, he stopped and turned back to Lucas, his eyes softer than they had been in years.

"I still love you, son," he said, the words heavy with emotions.

Lucas felt a lump rise in his throat, tears stinging the corners of his eyes. He couldn't remember the last time he had heard those words from his father; it felt like a lifetime ago. "I love you too, Dad," he managed to say, his voice breaking slightly.

His father nodded, before he turned and