He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 1016

"Uncle, pick me up!"

Zachary stared at the bright, vibrant little girl. Without hesitation, he gathered her into his arms.

His sharp eyes softened instantly, brimming with a gentle affection. He held her carefully, as if she were made of spun glass.

"Dawn, your uncle brought you a lot of presents," he murmured. "I'll show them to you when we get home, okay?"

She wrapped her arms around his neck and nodded enthusiastically. "Okay!"

Blood ties were a strange, powerful thing. Despite meeting him for the very first time, Dawn didn't feel an ounce of stranger anxiety. Instead, she was incredibly affectionate toward him.

Julian stepped forward and took Zachary's luggage.

Holding Dawn effortlessly in one arm, Zachary strode out toward the curb.

Jacqueline followed, her eyes tracing every line of her son with immense pride. But as she watched him walk, a faint crease formed between her brows.

There was something slightly unnatural about his gait.

And his shoes—they didn't look like normal leather shoes, but something highly structured, almost tech-like. His trench coat fell open slightly as he walked, revealing pant legs that looked strangely hollow, as if his thighs were far too thin.

A prickle of unease touched Jacqueline's heart, but she dismissed it quickly and hurried to catch up.

The family piled into Julian's stretch Lincoln in high spirits, driving straight back to the Magnolia Villa.

At the villa, Jacqueline had gone all out.

She had ordered the staff to roll out a literal red carpet. Zachary's room had been scrubbed top to bottom, outfitted with brand new luxury bedding, fresh curtains, and vases of fresh flowers. It was immaculate.

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