?Chapter 1548:


    A flicker of admiration crossed his eyes before settling into something deeper and moreplicated. “However, her understanding of human nature is almost too sharp. She’s decisive—even cold. She shows no softness, not even toward her own grandfather.”


    Ruthless when it mattered, and unwavering in her choices. This was precisely the kind of person who could carry the Watson family’s future.


    Gazing out at the dark, rain-soaked night, Dominic murmured quietly, “Melody, your daughter is truly exceptional. Even more outstanding than you were back then.”


    He withdrew his gaze, adjusted his cor, and returned to hisposed and authoritative bearing. Then he turned to his adjutant. “Bring Ethan Watson from the room next door.”


    “Yes, sir,” the adjutant responded solemnly.


    Shortly after, Dominic finally met Ethan.


    The moment the young man with delicate features and a schrly air appeared at the door, Dominic’s frame shuddered. “You’re the very image of my youth!” He rushed forward and sped Ethan’s hands. “Atst, I can see you, my boy.”


    Ethan was bewildered. He studied the imposing yet gentle-faced elder before him, then the adjutant in military uniform standing nearby. “Are you really… my grandfather?” he asked.


    Over the following hour, Dominic delivered a performance of astonishing skill, nearly recreating the entire exchange he’d had with Maia. The pacing, the intonation, the expressions, the gestures—even the guilt-ridden bearing and the tears—were reproduced with wless precision. Had the award-winning actor Ss witnessed it, he would have retreated into the shadows in shame. Dominic was the true master of performance.


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    Unlike Maia, Ethan did not possess her prating insight into people. He did not resist Dominic’s embrace, and soon grandfather and grandson were locked in an emotional, tearful hold.


    “Ethan, I know your mother resented me,” Dominic said, patting the young man’s back, his tone carefully exploratory. “But we are family. Blood ties bind us. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?”


    Eyes red-rimmed, Ethan answered, “I don’t me you. Mom always said not to judge by appearances alone—that everyone has their own burdens.”


    The boy had a gentle heart. Melody had raised him well.


    A new glint entered Dominic’s eyes as he patted Ethan’s shoulder, his voice taking on a meaningful weight. “Good boy. There is a matter where your assistance would be most valuable. Would you be willing to help me?”


    Ethan met his grandfather’s eyes, his expression open and untroubled. Without even knowing what would be asked of him, he gave a steady nod. “Of course. I’m willing.”


    A satisfied smile touched Dominic’s lips. He reached over and affectionately ruffled Ethan’s hair. “I wish to bring you and your sister home to Drakmire,” he said, his tone softening with a note of vulnerability. “These old bones won’tst forever, and the Watson legacy must pass to you both one day. Will you help me convince your sister to return with us?”


    Home. Drakmire. The words struck Ethan with the force of something distant and intangible—a fantasy he had never dared to imagine as real. Yet seeing the earnest hope lighting his grandfather’s aged eyes, his hesitation dissolved into resolve.


    “Alright,” he agreed firmly. “I’ll talk to her.”


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