Adam let out a long sigh as he sat alone in his office.
It had been this way ever since Valerie and Austin left.
Back when they were around, Adam didn't pay much attention to work. Most of his time was spent with the two of them—laughing, talking, just being together. Now, the silence felt heavier than ever.
It had been a long time since he'd had a chance to truly be with his family.
He heard everything from Valerie—what she'd gone through, the things she'd achieved, and even the struggles she tried to hide. And every time she spoke, he could feel how much he had missed.
To be honest, after what happened back at the academy, Adam had nearly lost hope of making things right with his daughter. The distance between them felt too wide, the wounds too fresh. But Austin… Austin made it possible.
He talked to Valerie and helped her understand Adam's side—and slowly, the wall between them began to crumble.
