Chapter 228

As Jeff watched Austin depart, he couldn't help but see a reflection of someone else in the figure receding into the distance. His body, drained of energy, slumped back into the chair. The creases on his face appeared to deepen under the weight of years filled with heartache and discomfort.

Feeling a sudden spike in his blood pressure, Jeff reached for his medication to calm his racing heart.

From a drawer, he retrieved an old photograph, his fingers trembling as they traced the figures within. In the image, a handsome man stood tall, embracing a young boy, both adorned with warm smiles reminiscent of a gentle winter sun. Tears finally welled up in Jeff's weary eyes.

"Marlin, can you understand your father's heart? The biggest regret of my life is watching you suffer in love for a lifetime. I don't want to see Austin follow the same path. In the end, he'll likely be the one getting hurt," Jeff whispered to himself.

Seeing Austin emerge from the study, Mrs. Carrie cautiously glanced