Chapter 273

"I'm sorry," James said, his voice low. "I didn't even take the time to find out what really happened before I blamed you, Ethan… I said some awful things to you." Ethan looked up at him. The dull look in his eyes gradually brightened. "So… Daddy, you're not mad at me anymore?" Wendy felt a pang in her chest. She let go of him gently and patted his shoulder softly, motioning for him to take a step forward. Ethan stepped up and threw his arms tightly around James. James froze for a second, then quickly hugged him back. "No, I'm not mad. I was wrong, Ethan. I hope you can forgive me." There were still tear stains on Ethan's cheeks, but now, a faint smile had returned. He rarely heard James speak to him in such a tone. That tone—gentle and remorseful—meant something. It meant James had finally softened. Wendy, standing beside them, reminded calmly, "Not every apology deserves forgiveness. And not every wrong should be forgiven so easily." Ethan tilted his head to look at her, eyes