Leonel's nose twitched a bit.

He looked at Waylen for a long time before saying in a shaky voice, "Do you still see me as your son?"

Waylen stared at him and then closed his eyes with a gentle smile.

“What other choice do I have, really? I raised you myself. I can't just let you go. Parents don't do that."

He had been harsh, even kicking Leonel out once, but inside, he was full of regret.

Though he held back, Leonel understood. He didn't mention the document, just gently touched Waylen's forehead, his voice suppressed and hoarse. "Dad, have some water."

Waylen's eyebrows twitched subtly.

It was clear he heard Leonel. He wasn't as drunk as he appeared.

His Adam's apple moved noticeably before he broke into a smile, saying, “Son, are you planning to marry my girl? Is that why you're here trying to win me over? You've never called me that before."

Leonel responded with a noncommittal hum.

After a moment, he clarified, "It's not about Alexis."

Why was he here then? This man had raised him, had been a father to him.

As a young man, Leonel often felt stifled, yearning to leave this place.

Not out of dislike, but from a sense of self-consciousness.

He couldn't bring himself to believe that someone as distinguished as Waylen could truly see him as a son. So he tried to convince himself he was nothing more than a mere obligation.

However, time and distance changed his perspective.

Being abroad, he yearned not just for Alexis, but also for Waylen.

He missed the days spent together.

Leonel reminisced about nights in the study, where Waylen would have servants bring snacks for him.

He remembered how Waylen would patiently guide him through his mistakes.