Chapter 1494

Gage froze. It was as if he had never expected anyone to ask him this question. He stood there, stunned. His gaze went vacant, lost in thought. Beside him, Kaitlyn let out a quiet sigh and watched him in silence. Kyler's face twisted into a bitter smile as he shook his head. Matthew kept his eyes fixed on Gage, never looking away. He was eager to hear his answer. But time passed, and Gage still didn't speak. Matthew was puzzled but remained patient, waiting. Then, all of a sudden, Gage frowned and narrowed his eyes. A faint mist seemed to cloud his gaze. Matthew thought he was seeing things. But when he looked closer, he realized the emotion in those eyes—confusion, sorrow, regret, pain, and loss. Finally, all those feelings condensed into tears that rolled down his weathered face. Matthew panicked. "Mr. Palmer, please don't be like this." Gage wept, yet he smiled through his tears—a heartbreaking, sorrowful smile etched into his wrinkled face. After a long silence, he fina