?Chapter 1546:


    Dominic’s head snapped up, a faint glimmer lighting his eyes. “Maia… is that really true?”


    “I can’t be certain. It’s only my conclusion,” Maia said, spreading her hands slightly. Even while consoling him, she remained measured and precise. “Because I never once heard my younger brother Ethan say that our motherined about you. Not even a single time.”


    Her words seemed to revive something in Dominic’s exhausted eyes, as though he had finally found something to hold on to.


    “So I believe my mother must have forgiven you.” Maia passed him more tissues. “Life was difficult, but she was probably happy. She broke free from her restraints and lived on her own terms. That’s what I learned from the slums.”


    Then she smoothly changed the subject. “I think you should go there someday. Learn about their past. Help the people who live there. I’m sure my parents received a great deal of care from those around them. Even in poverty, thatmunity is kind—people look out for one another.” Dominic blinked, clearly struggling to follow her sudden shift in direction.


    P??????????r ?????r????s о?? ?????????ve????.??????


    Maia held his gaze steadily, her clear eyes seeming to reach straight through to something deeper. “Wouldn’t that be better? Instead of apologizing again and again, do something that actually matters. I’m sure my mother would rather see you helping people than mourning what can’t be changed.”


    She paused, then added in a calm, even tone, “And if you’re hoping to earn my forgiveness through repentance—that isn’t necessary.”


    Maia’s words struck Dominic with unexpected force. For a brief moment, he could only stare at her. The young woman before him was unnervingly calm, herposure steady and measured, like someone long ustomed to weighing intentions and oues. It felt as though she stood at a higher vantage point, looking down at the situation with clear, unclouded judgment. She had already seen through everything—including the selfish undercurrent hidden beneath his remorse.


    Dominic opened his mouth, yet nothing came out. His regret was real. His apology to his daughter had been sincere. Still, he did not want his granddaughter to harbor resentment toward him. Deep down, part of his purpose in revealing the past had been to close the distance between them.


    Just as he searched for words, Maia spoke again. Her voice carried a faint trace of self-mockery, restrained but unmistakable.


    “You know, all these years, I always tried to make the people around me notice me. I studied hard, earned good grades, won awards. Other times I did the opposite—I rebelled, fought, caused trouble. But no matter what I did, I never managed to truly catch my adoptive parents’ attention.”


    .


    .


    .