Chapter 70
“Gr–Grandpa?”
日
Kyle’s face went completely ashen. He couldn’t believe his eyes and rubbed them frantically.
No matter how desperately he tried to deny it, Patrick was standing right there in front of him–solid, undeniable, with not a trace of illusion.
Patrick studied Kyle with piercing intensity, like he could see straight through him. “What’s wrong?” he asked pointedly. *Shouldn’t you be overjoyed that I’ve come to?”
To endure the same betrayal twice–his heart had turned to ice.
Kyle’s legs nearly gave out under Patrick’s stare. He caught himself with a shaky smile and a quick shake of his head. “Happy? Of course I’m happy, Grandpa, he stammered. “I’m over the moon that you’re okay. It’s just that I didn’t expect you to fall ill so suddenly and recover so quickly. I’m still in shock, to be honest.
After h
babbling incoherently, he fell silent again, hanging his head and shunning Patrick’s eyes.
Guilt coiled in his chest, making every second feel like an eternity.
At last, Patrick stepped down, but instead of addressing Kyle, he made a beeline straight for Zina.
Zina froze for a moment when Patrick’s gaunt arms reached toward her. But the instant her medical instincts kicked in, she immediately rose to her feet.
“Mr. Carter, you’re looking very hale and hearty now. Is there anything that still bothers you?” she asked.
“Absolutely not. There’s no one I trust more than you, Doctor. My remarkable recovery is all thanks to your skill. Please, you must allow me the chance to repay your kindness. Whatever you need, just name it–I’ll spare no effort to make it happen.”
Now a silver–haired grandfather, Patrick valued each day more than he had in his youth.
He had thought he was a goner this time. But he managed to be still standing here–alive and well, and in perfect health at that.
There was no way he could put that kind of surprise and joy into words.
It also forced him to confront the complex dynamics within the Carter family.
Zina had no intention of getting too involved in the Carter family’s affairs. After confirming Patrick was out of danger, she said,
“I’m just doing my job as a doctor. Mr. Patrick Carter, there is no need for such gratitude. Since everything is fine here, I’ll take my leave now. If anything comes up, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m always available.”
With that, she bowed slightly to him, then turned and made her way out.
Kellan opened his mouth to speak, then closed it as Zina’s slender figure vanished into the distance. His brows furrowed. When he finally turned to Kyle, his eyes had gone cold.
1/2
Chapter 70
“Alright, let’s get down to family business.”
*Meanwhile, Zina had returned to the Lambert residence. The moment she stepped into the house, she sensed something was off.
A jumble of voices–arguments, laughter, chatter–echoed from upstairs.
The living room was deserted, with not a single servant in sight.
She paused briefly, then headed straight upstairs.
There was a room filled with a clamor of voices, which was Lydia’s. She stopped there.
The door was left ajar, so the conversation inside was crystal clear.
“Lydia, what’s the deal with that adopted daughter in your family? I mean, you’re already grown up. Why would your parents suddenly bring home another daughter just to keep you company? Seriously, what were they thinking?”
Another girl chimed in, “You’ve always been our shining star. Surely you’re not about to let some upstart dim your spotlight?”
