Chapter 145

Hudson's POV Hudson walked into the study first, heading straight for the leather chair behind his desk. Without a word, he unlocked his phone and scrolled through Christina's messages, keeping his eyes down. Franklin hovered near the center of the room, his hands fidgeting, gaze darting around as if deciding whether to sit. Eventually, he chose to remain standing. Hudson continued focusing on his screen. Franklin cleared his throat. Hudson didn't respond to him. "I know Christina has been... distant lately," Franklin finally said, his voice slightly raspy. "She's probably told you things about us. I won't deny some of it is true. But we did raise her. Yes, she has quite the temper, but she is our daughter. Seeing her doing well now... I'm truly proud." Hudson glanced up briefly before returning to his screen. Encouraged by this small reaction, Franklin continued with a wistful tone, "She rarely comes home these days. I miss her. Her mother does too." The corner of Hudson's mouth twitc