Chapter 8 - Healing the Broken
The weeks following the gala were a blur of legal battles, medical evaluations, and massive corporate restructuring. With Eleanor facing federal charges, I took full control of my father’s medical care and the remaining legitimate assets of the family estate.
Despite the chaotic shift in our lives, the focus remained entirely on Liam—now legally recognized as Julian Vale-Whitmore.
Cassian came to my house every single afternoon after his duties at the naval base. He didn't force Julian to remember everything right away. Instead, he simply sat on the floor, building wooden ship models with him, showing him old family photo albums, and listening to the quiet sounds of the house.
One rainy Sunday afternoon, I sat at the kitchen counter watching the two of them in the living room.
Julian was sitting in Cassian’s lap. For the first time in months, the heavy, terrified look in his eyes had completely vanished.
"Look, Dad," Julian said softly, pointing to a picture of a golden retriever in the album.
It was only a short sentence, but to Cassian, it was everything. The Admiral closed his eyes, leaning his head against his son's small shoulder, holding back tears of joy.
I smiled gently, taking a sip of my coffee, feeling a deep sense of peace settle over the house.
Cassian looked up at me over Julian’s head. "He’s speaking more every day, Evelyn. The doctors say his memory is returning in pieces. He remembers the boat... but he also remembers the day you picked him up from the care center."
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"He was sitting by the window," I recalled softly. "Looking so lost. I knew I couldn't leave him there."
Cassian stood up, carrying Julian in his arms, and walked over to the kitchen island. "You saved him, Evelyn. When everyone else failed him, you gave him a home."
