As if under a petrifying spell, Gary's eyes widened, and he stood frozen in place, completely motionless. He couldn't quite describe his current state of mind—there was embarrassment, anxiety, and a hint of joy and anticipation.

Finally, he managed to compose himself, even though his smile still appeared somewhat rigid.

"You can think of me as your father," he said, his intense gaze fixed on Larissa.

She disliked this kind of probing—either he acknowledged her or he didn't. These covert hints m