Juan gestured at the photographs surrounding them. "Is this the reunion you wanted? Let me remind you. Officially, you've been dead for 20 years. The Nichols family has no record of you, and I don't need you."
In his memory, Jeffrey had always been a stern, unfeeling machine. Time had blurred his face in Juan's memory. Yet now, he was back to stir up chaos and trouble.
Juan vividly recalled the turmoil after Jeffrey's sudden death. At the funeral, Melody had declared coldly, "The head of the Nichols family is gone. He no longer exists."
That day, Juan had vowed to surpass Jeffrey and rebuild their legacy. He no longer had a father.
"Like it or not, you're my son," Jeffrey said calmly. "This is still my home. If Claudia knew how much you've grown, she'd be proud. I've watched you all these years. You've become capable and strong, but in matters of love, you're as soft as me. One day, that weakness will ruin you."
"Save your advice," Juan snapped. "I didn't need it then, don't need it now, and never will. The Nichols family doesn't require your guidance, and I don't want to see you."
"You know about that?" Juan was surprised. "Are you reborn too?"
Since the incident on the island, fragmented memories of his past life had haunted him. He couldn't explain them, but his senses told him there was more to it.
Jeffrey's eyes gleamed. "Some truths defy understanding. I haven't unraveled the pattern of rebirth, but it's tied to the hidden treasure. Find it, and we can reset everything. Your mother will be back, and your family will be complete."

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