Chapter 28
Fiona nodded, tears instantly streaming down her face. “She doesn’t have much time left,” Fiona choked out.
Stella instantly let go of Fiona’s hand.
Without Stella noticing, Fiona discreetly rubbed the spot where Stella had been gripped too tightly. After a quick glance at Stella, she burst into tears again.
Stella shook her head in disbelief. “No way!”
She thought, ‘Grandma was perfectly fine just a few days ago. How could her condition have worsened so quickly?’
“The doctor said Eleanor only has about three months left. We should just do whatever we can to make her comfortable,” Fiona said with a sigh.
She added, “Actually, her condition started deteriorating two years ago. She was barely holding on by sheer willpower, just waiting for you to come back. Now that you’re here, that last bit of willpower she had just given out. And to make matters
worse…”
Stella fixed her gaze on Fiona. “And what else?”
Fiona replied, “Today, your father and I were talking about the company when Eleanor overheard us. You know how much trouble your whole thing with Troy has caused for the company.”
Stella said nothing, her eyes fixed on Fiona.
Fiona looked away, guilt washing over her. “Eleanor’s getting older. All she wants is for everyone to be safe. She’s worried that if the company collapses, nobody will be able to afford your treatment. We’ve told her not to worry, but she can’t help it.”
Stella’s eyes slowly lost their light, growing dim.
Fiona stepped forward and took Stella’s hand. “Stella, the company isn’t completely doomed. The Bass family offered help, but only if you’re willing to marry into their family.
“Of course, your happiness is our top priority. If you don’t want to marry into the Bass family, we will never force you.”
Stella turned her eyes back to Fiona, her gaze cold and piercing.
Fiona frowned. “Stella, you’re the one who crossed Troy. The Bass family helping us now is a huge favor.”
Hearing that, Stella pushed her away silently.
Stella slowly went upstairs.
The doctor had finished checking Eleanor, and the servants were no longer busy. But seeing Eleanor lying there so frail, they all sighed.
Stella approached Eleanor’s bed. Eleanor lay there with her eyes closed. Her face was so calm that it was as though she had already passed.
A single tear rolled down Stella’s cheek as she crouched down beside Eleanor’s bed, gently embracing her.
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Chapter 28
“Grandma, please wake up, she whispered. “I want more time with you. During those three years, I thought of you every single day. Without you, I wouldn’t have made it this far. How can I possibly live without you? Please, don’t leave me.”
Suddenly, Stella felt a hand grip her wrist. Realizing Eleanor had woken up, she quickly took her grandmother’s hand with the other and exclaimed, “Grandma, you’re awake!”
Eleanor’s breaths were still shallow. She said feebly, “Stella, don’t talk like that. If one day I’m no longer here, you must live well. Even if it feels like no one else in this world loves you, you must take good care of yourself.
“You have a long road ahead and so much of the world to see. They say those who endure great trials are destined for good fortune. I know your future will be wonderful.”
Eleanor didn’t even know how she managed to finish speaking when Stella’s tears gushed down her cheeks.
Eleanor reached out to wipe away Stella’s tears. “Don’t cry, sweetheart. It breaks my heart to see you like this.”
Stella quickly wiped away her tears and forced a brave smile. “You’re right, Grandma. I promise I’ll live my life the way you
want me to.”
