Chapter 1653

Daniel hadn't set foot in Dominic's vast house for years. Now, trembling on his crutches, he slowly entered, supported by his son and daughter-in-law. He didn't sit. Instead, he slowly surveyed the room until he heard footsteps and saw Dominic emerge. Daniel's eyes burned; he hurried forward, wanting to grasp Dominic's hand.

"Dom!"

He couldn't stand unaided, nearly falling after two steps. Elijah rushed to steady him.

"Dad, slow down," Elijah cautioned.

"Why are you still so excitable at your age?" Dominic grumbled, frowning and glancing sideways at Daniel. He then took Galen's hand and sat down deliberately, his frown remaining. Everyone was surprised to see the child, especially Daniel, who couldn't help but fix his gaze on Galen.

"Dom, this is…"

"This is none of your business!" Dominic snapped. "You're already so old. Why don't you stay home instead of wandering around like this? We haven't seen each other for decades. There's no need for you to trouble yourself visiting me!" He glared at the couple with distaste. "Forget the old man. Look at you two! Why are you following him around like this?!"

Ultimately, Daniel's daughter-in-law could bear it no longer. She dropped to her knees, weeping.

"What are you doing?!" Dominic demanded, retracting his feet. "Get up! Get up now!"

"Dom, we're running out of options! That's why I'm here to beg you. Please, just help us!"

Daniel coughed twice, leaning forward in his seat, still clutching his crutches. "What can I do?! You've lost your minds. If that brat, Austin, is missing, go to the police! Didn't you call them? What makes you think I can find him if they can't?"

Dominic frowned, then turned to Galen, gently stroking his head.

Daniel pleaded, "Dom, I know what you're capable of! You have your ways and connections. You've traveled far and wide, and I'm sure you've made many friends. Sometimes, you can find things that are impossible to find. Austin has been missing too long, and the police can't trace him. We aren't dealing with ordinary people, so you must help me! He's also a Fike. For the sake of our family…"

"For our family's sake?!" Dominic interrupted angrily. "What right do you have to talk about us being a family?! When I left, you said I wasn't part of the Fike family! You said everything belonged to you, and I'd get no share. From then on, I had nothing to do with the Fike family! Now, you're telling me 'for the sake of our family'?!"

Daniel frowned. "It's been so many years…"

"I will never forget it, no matter how many years have passed! After how you treated me, how dare you come to me for help now?" Dominic retorted.

"Dom, I'm the one who wronged you. All these years, Austin has…" Daniel paused, wiping his eyes. "You've watched him grow, and he's always clung to you since he was a child. He's the only one in our family most like you, the most talented. He's always been respectful to you, always coming to you, even after all these years. He's the first person he thinks of when something good happens. Even if it's not for the Fikes, consider Austin's loyalty to you over the years. You must help him. If anything happens to him…"

"If anything happens to him, it is fated to happen!" Dominic snapped.

Elijah remained speechless.