Chapter 43

The door swung open again as Oliver pushed Richard inside, his wheels gliding slowly across the floor. "You—you're Richard?" James squinted, a flicker of rage flashing in his eyes. He hadn't seen Richard often over the years, but he wasn't a stranger either. Back when Eva and Richard had their fallout six years ago, he'd checked in on Richard once—at Lucas's request. And later, he'd been the one supplying Eva with whatever she needed to go after him. Richard might've been his biological father, but all James ever felt toward him was hate. "That's right." Richard nodded. "James, or... should I say Mark? I've heard you've spent years thinking I'm your father." "What are you trying to say?" James froze mid-apple slice, his hand tightening around the knife. He'd always known Richard never acknowledged him or his mom. But hearing it now—after everything—still felt like a punch to the gut. "Mark," Richard began softly, signaling Oliver to move aside so he could wheel himself closer to James'