The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 551

While Abacus couldn't fully comprehend Franco's words, the proud look on his father's face told him it was something good.

Thrilled, the boy clapped his chubby little hands.

"Papa, Papa!"

Franco caught those tiny hands in his own, enveloping them in warmth. "Yeah, Daddy's home," he murmured.

He glanced up at the security camera in the corner. The footage of Abacus standing and taking his first steps had all been recorded.

He had installed the cameras to keep a closer eye on his son, never expecting it would capture a milestone like this.

"Download that clip and send it to Petty from your phone," he told Jay over his shoulder.

Jay blinked in surprise.

Before he could ask why Franco wouldn't just send it himself—even if she was ignoring him, it was still an excuse to reach out—Franco answered the unspoken question.

Looking down at the toddler resting against his chest, Franco said quietly, "She blocked my number and never unblocked it."

Jay cleared his throat. "Understood, sir."

Jackson ducked his head, hiding a silent chuckle.

Later that evening, Franco finished bathing Abacus and wrapped him in a fluffy towel to dry off. Jackson walked into the master bedroom holding a freshly prepared bottle of warm milk.

Franco sat on the edge of the bed, shirtless, a dark gray towel slung low on his waist. He held Abacus in his lap, gently rubbing lotion into the boy's skin.

"Papa..." Abacus squirmed out of his arms and rolled across the massive mattress in his birthday suit, his little round bottom bouncing with every movement.

Jackson couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Get over here." Franco reached out with a long arm, snatching the escaping toddler back.

The scene was indescribably contrasting. The man tending to the baby was Franco, an intensely powerful, ruthless figure who commanded fear.

Yet, the moment was radiating an undeniable warmth.

The formerly stark, cold-toned bedroom was now scattered with bright, playful splashes of color.

He changed into his sleepwear and returned, only to find the little guy had fallen fast asleep, clutching *My Mom* tightly to his chest.

As Franco gently slipped the book out from under the boy's arm, Abacus smacked his soft lips in his sleep.

"Mama..."

Franco lay down, wrapping his arms tenderly around his son. As the lights clicked off, he whispered into the darkness, "Daddy misses Mama too."

Across the ocean.

Petty clutched her phone, watching the clip Jay had sent over and over again.

It was a piece of security footage.

Hans knocked and walked in, catching her wiping away quiet tears by the bay window. She immediately turned and offered him a smile.

The smile was teary, filled with a bittersweet ache, but also an undeniable swell of pride.

"My Abacus is walking. His first steps, and he's so steady. That's my boy."