The Captain I Married by Chance novel Chapter 567

"Oh?"

Arthur leaned in slightly. "Care to share?"

Seeing that Arthur genuinely seemed invested, Leonard licked his dry lips and began his tragic tale. "My eldest is from my first marriage."

"Back then, I was hyper-focused on building the company and ended up neglecting her and her mother. My ex-wife couldn't handle it. She fought tooth and nail for a divorce. I tried everything to make her stay, but in the end, I had to let her go."

"They struggled financially for years after they left. My ex worked herself into the hospital, leaving my daughter to juggle school and part-time jobs just to cover the medical bills. I suppose going through hell like that made her resent me."

Leonard forced a bitter, self-deprecating smile.

"I blame myself. I was so caught up in corporate expansion that I lost track of them. By the time I found out my ex was sick, her condition was critical. I immediately transferred her to a hospital under the Hayes Group, but my daughter managed to pull her out."

"She looks at me like I'm the enemy. She refuses to trust me, refuses to reconcile. Every olive branch I've extended has been thrown back in my face."

Leonard rubbed his face exhaustedly, perfectly playing the role of the heartbroken, misunderstood father.

"I genuinely want to make things right. Unfortunately, life doesn't always go the way you plan."

Arthur listened to this sob story with zero emotional reaction.

It was only when Leonard looked up that Arthur flashed a comforting smile. "Family is family. There are no permanent misunderstandings between a father and his daughter. Give it time; it will all work out."

It was the most generic, empty advice imaginable.

But since it came from Arthur Peyton, Leonard acted profoundly moved.

"Arthur," Leonard began, eager to spill more family secrets to solidify their new bond.

But Arthur suddenly pivoted. "And your younger daughter? Is she from your first marriage as well?"

Leonard's jaw twitched. He nearly lost his composure.

But years of navigating cutthroat boardrooms allowed him to quickly mask his guilt.

"No. After the divorce, I realized that being a single man in my line of work was a liability. My health wasn't great back then, either, and my colleagues urged me to find someone to take care of me. I figured the house needed a woman's touch, so I remarried."

"My youngest is with my current wife."