197 Chapter 197 – Paternal Bond


    Veronica maintained steady focus through her phone’s camera lens.


    However, as Cullen continued his skilled dribbling, an unwee memory surfaced from the depths of her mind. She recalled watching him dominate their university’s basketball court years earlier.


    Veronica captured their celebration through her phone screen<b>. </b>She recognized that Sabrina was likely experiencing the peak of happiness among all the children at school today.


    The afternoon heat pressed down on them relentlessly. The temperature had climbed to an ufortable level.


    Cullen epted with a slight nod. “Fine by me.”


    Several onlookers gathered around their course, murmuring appreciativements. “Look at that technique.”


    Veronica lowered her phone and watched them from her distance, feeling like an observer rather than a participant in this family tableau.


    The bond between them was genuinely powerful, and logic suggested it would only strengthen with time.


    His eyebrow lifted at her casual treatment of his clothing, though he remained silent.


    Sabrina had already decided the matter. Veronica simply nodded toward Cullen. “You handle this.”


    What Casey kept to herself was her observation that children typically didn’t favor one parent so dramatically over the other. Such pronounced preference was quite unusual.


    asure you move with us. Don’t


    Just as thepetition was about to begin, he caught her attention with an unexpected instruction. “While you’re filming, nt yourself in one spot like a statue.”


    Sabrina hadn’t exaggerated Cullen’s basketball abilities. Her assessment had beenpletely urate.


    The ball danced between his palms with effortless control. His shirtsleeves were


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    pushed up casually, revealing strong forearms as he maintained perfect coordination with Sabrina’s smaller steps.


    Veronica actually possessed decent basketball skills from her college days. Yet she chose silence over correction.


    Yet now, observing the current version of Cullen–taller, more self–assured, and undeniably more attractive than his college self–those old recollections seemed to lose their sharp edges.


    However, she couldn’t deny the obvious truth before her eyes. Veronica’s husband demonstrated exceptional devotion to their daughter’s happiness and development. Now something had changed dramatically. Whether through school instruction or Cullen’s personal coaching, Sabrina disyed remarkable dribbling technique when the whistle sounded.


    Cullen’sughter carried across the yground as he continued engaging with other fathers, Sabrina still perched contentedly in his arms. The scene painted a picture of domestic perfection that seemed almost too polished to be entirely genuine.


    The Orr Transportation Challenge demanded coordination between parent and child. One person would grip a rope loop and pull forward while their partner dribbled a basketball within the loop’s boundaries.


    “Understood,” Veronica responded curtly.


    Cullen peeled off his expensive ck zer and extended it toward her. “Mind holding this?”


    Simultaneously, another thought crept into her consciousness. If Niall had been standing here beside them instead of herself, Sabrina’s joy might have reached even greater heights.


    During this social interaction<b>, </b>Casey positioned herself next to Veronica.


    Just months ago, whenever these memories had emerged, his younger face and athletic form had appeared with startling rity in her thoughts.


    “Dad.” Sabrina spoke up, her voice carryingplete confidence. “Mom doesn’t understand basketball, but Dad is amazing at it.”


    Cullen smiled broadly and scooped her up into his strong arms with obvious pride.


    197 Chapter 107 Paternal Bond


    “That’s true,” Veronica agreed simply.


    Sabrina bounced on her toes with pure tion, her grin stretching from ear to ear


    Veronica had previously taken Sabrina to basketball and volleyball sessions. During those earlier attempts, Sabrina had shown minimal enthusiasm. Perhaps her age had been a factor, or maybe the experiences had simply faded from memory.


    Cullen pulled the rope backward with measured precision, his movements synchronized wlessly with her bouncing rhythm.


    Cullen and Sabrina imed first ce without surprise.


    Several other parents approached Cullen to initiate conversations. He exchanged handshakes and engaged in friendly dialogue about thepetition.


    Veronica studied the garment for a moment before taking it. Instead of cradling it carefully, she deposited it onto the nearby grass.


    At the halfway mark, roles switched. The child became the guide while the parent handled the ball. The basketball had to remain inside the loop’s perimeter throughout


    the entire course.


    Observing that the games were winding down and Veronica hadpleted her recording duties, Casey offered her perspective. “Your daughter shares an incredible connection with her father.”


    The first leg concluded without anyplications. Their return journey proved even more seamless.


    198 Chapter 198–Invisible