?Chapter 1356:


    In that moment, all the strength left his body.


    He couldn’t move, couldn’t think—he just stood there, paralyzed by fear. He hadn’t even had the chance to hold his daughter properly, to hear her call him “Dad,” and yet… he was about to lose her.


    Later, in the ambnce, Hurley had trembled uncontrobly, unable to speak, his entire being consumed by terror.


    Even now, as he watched her breathe, the memory made his heart clench.


    “Bon… Bonnie,” he stammered, stepping closer. “Are you feeling any better?”


    Christina’s gaze lifted to him, quiet and searching. So this was her biological father. From what she had learned, he had always been a good husband and a good father.


    Her parents had once shared a love that seemed unbreakable, and she—she should have grown up in that home, surrounded by warmth and affection. But fate had stolen that from her.


    Now, looking at him, that lost warmth flickered faintly in her chest. She was home… atst. Her eyes shimmered with sudden emotion.


    Hurley immediately panicked. “What’s wrong? Are you in pain? I’ll get the doctor—”


    He turned to rush out, but her soft voice stopped him in his tracks.


    “Dad.”


    The word came out soft and warm. Hurley froze.


    He turned back, his vision blurring as tears gathered in his eyes. She had called him “Dad.”


    For a moment, he couldn’t even breathe. Then, wiping at his eyes, he forced a trembling smile. “Yes, sweetheart?”


    “Dad… there’s something I want to tell you.” She nced toward the others.


    Florrie and the others caught on immediately.


    Leaning on her ornate cane, she smiled gently. “We’ll go buy you something to eat.”


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    Amaya and Beth helped her up.


    One by one, everyone left the room, closing the door softly behind them.


    It was only natural for the father and daughter to want a private moment. As long as Christina was okay, nothing else mattered.


    The quiet that followed felt almost sacred.


    Christina hesitated for a moment, trying to sit up, but Hurley quickly pressed a hand to her shoulder.


    “You’re still weak. Rest a little longer,” he said, his tone tender yet firm.


    Christina nodded obediently. “Okay.”


    Then, lowering her voice, she said, “Dad… could you check if anyone is outside?”


    Hurley blinked, a faint chuckle escaping him despite his worry. “What kind of secret are you hiding? Are you afraid someone will eavesdrop?”


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