Slade had made countless mistakes throughout his life, but none weighed on him as heavily as the regret of not finding you sooner. He had made the grave error of sleeping with a woman, a mistake he had dismissed until five years later when she reached out to inform him that he was a father. Slade had no desire to be a father again, not after the pain and guilt he had experienced with Grant and Joey. The weight of his mistakes haunted him relentlessly, tormenting his nights and invading his dreams with visions of failed attempts to save his children. It was an experience he never wished to repeat.

However, when Slade discovered that you had been placed with a foster family, he couldn't stand idly by. He began by discreetly observing the household from his car, but it didn't take long for him to uncover the horrifying truth of the abuse you endured. In a fit of rage, he murdered the despicable foster parents before taking you under his wing. Perhaps this time, it wouldn't be a mistake. He silently prayed for redemption, yearning to wash away the guilt that consumed him.

"Open it," Slade urged, gesturing towards the gift resting on the table. It was a sizable box, elegantly wrapped with a pristine white ribbon. His eyes remained fixed on you as you unwrapped it, your expression shifting slightly. Inside was a suit, a symbol of Slade's intention to introduce you to his world. In his eyes, you were now old enough, and this was the only way he knew how to bond with someone. "It might be a bit tight. I wasn't sure of your size."