Day Ninety-Eight…

At Xu Family Mansion

Old Man Xu was about to leave the mansion when he suddenly received unexpected visitors.

"Butler Li… Vincent," he uttered as he ran into them at the entrance gate.

Vincent looked at his father with an unreadable expression on his face.

"Can you spare us some of your time? Vincent wants to talk to you," Butler Li said, mediating between the two. Vincent still felt uncomfortable approaching his father first.

Old Man Xu smiled faintly upon hearing that. "Of course. Come inside first."

The old man invited them in. However, Butler Li chose to stay in the car, giving the father and son some privacy. They were the ones who needed to talk.

Old Man Xu happily escorted his son inside the house. He was really hoping that Vincent would forgive him someday. He wanted Nathan and Vincent to reconcile since they were brothers.

"What do you prefer? Coffee or tea?" Old Man Xu asked, offering him some drinks.

"I'm good. No need to prepare some drinks. I won't keep you for so long. I know you are on your way to see Nathan and your grandson," Vincent said in his neutral tone.

Old Man Xu could only bob his head before sitting down next to Vincent. The living room was engulfed in deafening silence. Neither of them knew what to say to start the conversation. The awkwardness between father and son was evident.

"How are you, son?" Old Man Xu finally broke the silence.

Vincent was taken aback upon hearing his father call him "son" affectionately. This was the same man who had once refused to acknowledge him—the root of all his hatred and jealousy.

"I'm here to say goodbye. I'm planning to leave the country and have a fresh start with my daughter." Vincent replied, not looking at his father. He had mixed feelings right now.

This was his first time talking to his father in a calm manner. He tried his best to set aside his pride, forgetting about his hatred and resentment toward this man.

Meanwhile, Old Man Xu was saddened by that news. He still wanted to connect with Vincent and get closer to his son. He would like to compensate him for the years he neglected him as his father. For once, he desired to act as a father to him.

"Can't you stay here?" Old Man Xu asked.

"No, I can't. This is the least I can do for Nathan and Jane. I caused them endless misery. I should have hated you and focused my revenge on you, but I was too foolish and took my anger out on my brother, Nathan. Blinded by resentment and jealousy, I hurt the person I loved and made her suffer," Vincent explained, regretting his past actions.

"Staying away from them is the only way to make amends, giving them peace," he added.

Old Man Xu was at a loss for words. He felt both sad and happy—sad because Vincent had chosen to stay away from their family, yet happy knowing he did it for his brother, Nathan. This was his way of redeeming himself as he tried to reconcile with his brother.

"If that is your decision, I will support you. If you ever feel like returning, always remember that we are your family. You are part of my family now—if you will only allow me to act as your father. Can you give me another chance, my son?" Old Man Xu asked Vincent earnestly as he turned to face him. There was a pleading look in his eyes.

Vincent was silent for a moment, gathering his emotions. He had to admit that he had longed for a father's love and acceptance. It was something he never experienced as he grew up.

Vincent raised his head to meet his father's eyes. "After everything that happened, I've come to realize that it's time to let go of my past… let go of my grudges… And now, I can finally say that I've forgiven you…" He paused for a moment before he uttered the word, "Dad."

Old Man Xu felt a tug on his heart when Vincent finally called him "Dad." His eyes instantly grew teary, and his lips trembled as he tried to hold back his tears.

'Did I hear it right? My son has forgiven me… and he called me Dad?' Old Man Xu mused to himself as he eyed Vincent with shock and disbelief.

"My son… is this true? Am I not imagining things?!" Old Man Xu's voice croaked as tears welled up in the corners of his eyes.

Vincent looked away, feeling a bit shy. He wasn't used to being called "son" by Old Man Xu, but for some unknown reason, hearing his father's affectionate voice gave him a pleasant feeling.

"Yes. It's true. I've forgiven you," Vincent reiterated his words, making it loud and clear for Old Man Xu to understand.

At that certain moment, Old Man Xu could no longer control his emotions. Without hesitation, he pulled Vincent into a hug as he sobbed. "Thank you, son. Thank you for giving me another chance. I won't fail you this time."

Vincent didn't expect his father to suddenly hug him. He felt the urge to push him away—it was awkward being embraced by him. However, part of him wanted to savor this moment. This was the first time his father had hugged him like this, unlike their first encounter, when Old Man Xu had been cold and indifferent toward him.

On the same day, the father and son had finally reconciled.

*****

At Sparks Family Mansion…

Meanwhile, Mr. Hiroshi dropped by to see his daughter, Jane. Abigail and Dave also joined them in the Sparks Family Mansion. Everyone was enjoying their heartwarming family reunion.

As Nathan entertained Abigail and Dave, Jane had a chance to talk with her father alone. There was something she needed to tell her father.

"Are you feeling fine now, my daughter?" Mr. Hiroshi asked her worriedly.

Jane gave her father a reassuring smile. "Yes, Pa, I'm fine now. I think I've recovered completely."

"Pa, there is something I must tell you. It's about my mother." Jane couldn't wait to reveal the truth to her father.

Mr. Hiroshi became more worried and serious when Jane mentioned her mother.

"Tell me, Jane. What is this all about?" he asked her expectantly, bracing himself to hear what she was about to say.

"When I was separated from my mother and my sister, Abigail… it was my mother's assassin who spared my life and raised me as her own daughter. It was Miss Frost."

Mr. Hiroshi was stunned upon hearing that revelation. He was aware that the assassin known as Miss Frost was the one who killed his wife. However, he didn't expect that the same woman was the one who raised his daughter, Jane.

"Did she tell you who called the hit?" Mr. Hiroshi asked, clenching his fists. He was still emotionally affected whenever he talked about his wife's death.

Jane shook her head. "Miss Frost died without telling me. However, I had just found out the truth. The one who called the hit was the founder of the Red Dragon Mafia… Arthur Wayne."