Atticus breathed heavily as he took large steps backward, trying to put as much distance as possible between himself and the massive Nathan.
"Huh? Where are you going, my beautiful boy!" The ground shook as Nathan surged forward, attempting to envelop him in another tight hug.
But Atticus wasn't about to make the same mistake twice. His body reacted instinctively, evading the hefty embrace before zooming off.
The estate quaked as Nathan began chasing Atticus around, determined to catch him in another hug.
The family members watching from the side had wide smiles on their faces as they saw the troubled look on Atticus's face.
Throughout the Nexus competition, where Atticus had battled other apexes, his gaze had been cold, almost robotic, as if he were more machine than human.
But seeing him now, running around with a look of genuine discomfort, melted the hearts of Anastasia and the others.
