Ultimate Cash System

Lukas grinned. "Your secret’s safe with me."

Then Henry paused, the mood shifting. "Also... Lukas, look. I’m not trying to be your dad or anything, but... Annie and Bella? They’re good girls. That should be enough, no?"

Lukas leaned back in his chair. "Why do I feel like there’s a story behind this?"

Henry laughed dryly. "Let’s just say I was once young, stupid, and thought having more meant having better. Turns out, more often meant more headache."

Lukas nodded quietly.

"I got Lucy now," Henry continued. "Three years old. Sharp as a tack. Already calls me out when I forget to brush my teeth or put my socks on inside out. You talked with her once, remember? She picked up the phone when you called."

Lukas smiled. "Yeah, I remember. She said her name was Lucy. She was mad that I didn’t bring her chocolate myself."

Henry laughed warmly. "She still hasn’t let that go. Keeps reminding me that you owe her. So next time you drop by, better come with a bag full of sweets, or she’ll throw a tantrum."

"I’ll bring enough to open a candy shop," Lukas joked.

Henry smiled. "Good man. Anyway, I just wanted to say that. Don’t burn yourself out, alright? You’re doing a lot, and it’s working. Just... don’t lose yourself in it."

"Thanks, Henry," Lukas said sincerely. "Means a lot."

"Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow. Twelve sharp. Mansion Day."