?Chapter 1027:


    Had he realized the truth, he would have firmly confronted Kristian without hesitation.


    All signs pointed to one thing: Kristian and Freya were never truly destined for each other.


    “Sometimes I wonder what Melinda ever saw in you.” Frustration bubbling over, Lionel shifted his re from grandson to son. “Your mother and I shared real love, but you ended up such a letdown.”


    Isaac’s response came with practicedposure. “I think that title fits Kristian better than me. He’s the one at the heart of all this.”


    “And who’s to me for that? You raised him.”


    “You’re right.”


    “Still, you can admit it so casually.”


    For a moment, Isaac had no words. Letting Kristian face the criticism seemed easier than defending himself.


    Being the target of Lionel’s ire was something he hadn’t missed. Any misstep now would only draw more fire.


    “I’ll see how Kristian’s holding up,” Isaac offered an excuse.


    Lionel wasn’t done. “Oh, am I too much for you now? Can’t handle a little criticism?”


    Isaac remained unbothered. “Why don’t we y some chess instead?”


    Sometimes, his father’s remarks left him a step behind, but he didn’t let it bother him. Whenever he struggled to follow the conversation, he kept hisposure and took his time to reply. At their age, staying calm mattered more than quick wit.


    “Just go on, will you?” Lionel’s patience wore thin; Kristian upied his thoughts. “Check on Kristian for me, and try to lift his spirits.”


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    “He’d probably cheer up if you went yourself.” A hint of irony colored Isaac’s tone.


    Lionel shot him a look full of disdain. If this were just a simple case of a bad mood, a quick chat would be enough. But this was something different altogether.


    “Go on, stop dragging your feet. Make sure he really fills up and enjoys his dinner tonight,” Lionel said, his voice carrying real concern.


    “Otherwise, you’ll answer to me.”


    Isaac fell quiet. On his best days, Kristian’s appetite was never strong. But mentioning that would only earn him another scolding. Instead, Isaac just nodded and headed out to find his son.


    Out in the backyard, Kristian sat quietly in a knit sweater, lookingposed and unhurried.


    The climate in Jeucwell stood in sharp contrast to Alerith.


    Though it was still only February, two lightyers were enough to stay warm.


    When Isaac stepped outside, he noticed the usual distance in Kristian’s demeanor had faded, reced by a rare sense of tranquility. He joined him on the bench. “What’s on your mind?”


    A gentle reply came, “Nothing in particr.” Kristian picked up a coffee pot and poured a cup for his father.


    Isaac took in the gesture, his eyes thoughtful. “Care to talk?” He epted the cup, settling in.


    Kristian gave him a sidelong nce. “Is there something you want to say?”


    “Why so stiff?”


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