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CHAPTER 215
~Valerie's POV~
"Hello, son."
The words rang louder than the towering space they echoed through.
His silver hair shimmered in the ambient light, streaked with rich violet at the base, just like mine. Long, sleek, flowing behind him like living silk.
His face bore a rare smile.
And for a second, I was six again, watching him descend the stairs, equal parts terrified and in awe.
He walked down slowly. His energy rolled in the room like steady waves—not loud, not hostile, but heavy enough to remind me exactly who he was.
When he reached me, he didn't hesitate and pulled me into a hug.
A real one.
"Hello, son," he murmured again, this time softer.
I let him hold me.
It wasn't often he did, and we both knew it.
"Hey, Dad," I mumbled against his shoulder before stepping back. "Still dramatic, I see."
My Dad chuckled. "It's not drama if it's a well-earned presence."
I raised a brow. "You rehearse that line?"
He smirked. "Every morning."
