"You have achieved what I wanted you to achieve, son. And I am damn proud of you for that," the baron said casually, resting a hand on Theo's shoulder.
Theo stared at his father, dumbstruck. Both Clara and Elias were just as surprised by the interaction. Clara's eyes soon filled with tears, and she turned away, trying to control herself.
"It couldn't have happened without you. I hope you know that," Theo said, a wide grin on his face. His lower lip trembled for a second as he felt a strange mix of shivers and proudness for himself at that one line for some reason.
The baron's expression shifted. He shook his head, sadness in his eyes despite the faint smile on his face.
"All I did was push you close to death's door. You would have reached it eventually anyway; there was no need to go to such extremes," he said.
Theo didn't know how to respond to that. An awkward silence lingered, stretching a little too long.
