Chapter 227
Noelle quickly realized she might lave gone too far. Ever since she teased. Adriel about being “norrspalte” he’ll refused to talk every attempt she made to engage him. His face remained dark, and the silent treatment lasted all the way to the hospital
When they reached Vincent’s hospital room, Adriel knocked lightly on the dour and steppe
Kimberly was at Vincent’s bedside, feeding him porridge as he sat up, pale and
“Dad, Mom” Adriel greeted as he walked in
visibly weakeneil
Noelle followed close behind, chirping sweetly, “Dail, Maan! We came to see youud?
Kimberly turned at the sound of their voices and smiled warmly. “Adriel, Noelle–youite here?
Her gaze then shifted to the girl clinging to Noelle’s arm and peeking aronial cautiously. A hint of hesitation flicker
Trexpression. “And this
Noticing her mother’s curiosity. Noelle gently pulled Elsie forward and smiled. “Mom, this is Elsie, Adriel brought her henne wali ban”
Elur gave Kimberly a shy glance before darting behind Noelle again, perking out just enough to watch both Kimberly and Vincent with guanded Curiosity
“Ah… 1 are.
Kimberly nodded slowly, ryeing the girl again. Maybe I’m just exhausted, she thought. ‘Bot… Is it just me, or does this girl’sermi ja
Turning back to Adriel, she asked, “Adriel, this girl is
But before she could finish, Adriel cut her off with
with a calm, “Til explain everything about Elsie later, Mom”
He shifted his attention to Vincent, concern evident in his eyes. “Dad, how are you feelingt Still unconfortalale? Where’s your medical reporti
take a look later.”
Vincent had visibly aged in just a few days. His face was pale and drawn, and though he managed a faint smile, his voice was weak “Aside from feeling a little drained, I’m alright. The report’s in the drawer–go alıcad and read it“.
“Alright,” Adriel replied, taking a seat beside his father. He reached out and gently held Vincent’s cold hand. “You’ve suffered a for this time, Dad”
Vincent gave him a tired smile and shook his head.
Adriel continued, “Leia has been taken into custody. The court will handle everything from here. Is there anything you’d like us to tell the lawyer
At the mention of Leia, Vincent’s expression darkened. A shadow passed over his eyes as he sank into silence. He had never imagined that the daughter he’d raised for eighteen years would actually try to poison him. And all because she believed the Anderson family had somehow wronged
ain in his chest still surged every time her name came up
her name again?
It wasn’t just betrayal–it was heartbreak. The poin
Closing his eyes, Vincent said flatly, “Leave everything about
you.
I don’t want to hear
“Understood” Adriel replied.
Noelle stepped forward then, utting on the other side of the land and taking Vincent‘ other hand in hers. “Dad, you have to get well soon. I’ve prepared some herbal remedies to help you recover I had the hospital check them first–they’re all safe and approved”
Hearing that, Vincent turned to look at her. Seeing how gentle and thouglaful she was, he couldn’t help but feel a rush of emotion. In the was lus laological daughter who proved to be the most caring
Worried she might think he didn’t trust her, he quickly said, “Noelle. I koose you mean well. Even if you hadn’t shown the hospital, El still trust your pudgment”
al before they could administer anything:
Noelle angled brightly. “I know you i
you trust me, Dad. Por hospitals have protocols. I lol to get approval before they a
Vipernt indeed, eyes warm despite his fatigue. He reached out and gently
ly ruffled her hair
Elur watched the exchange with wide eyes, curious. She alidači spute understand why Noelle was being so affecimaate with someone who clearl
wasn’t the same as them
Vincent vallentavan shifted as he brand her soft, strange souch. His gaze Landed on Elsie again, and be turned to Adriel “Nuclle said Hair is the
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Chapter 227
you bright bank with you
Adriel sightened at the question, nobling with calm formality “Yes. Did I met her overseas and brought her home?
Vincent looked at him for a long moment, expression unreadable
Among his sons, Adriel savibe one he ijusted most. He was steady, rational, and always prioritized the family name. Vincent had always expected Aduel to take mer the Anderson legacy. And with that expectation came restrictions Adrielud never brought home a girlfriend, had never once
But now, he had not only brought a girl back, but also brought her here—to Vincent’s liospital room, on a day like this..
Vincent understood what that in
Sall, he didn’t object. Not imeshately, lostead, he asked carefully, “Adriel.. you know what you’re doing, don’t you?”
“Yes” Adriel nodded without hesitation. “I understand the
or implications. Nat I take full responsibility. I will not only protect this family’s legacy–1- will make sure it thrives“.
Elsie’s background was unknown, and by high–society standards, she was completely unfit for a political marriage. If Adriel chose her, he would face resistance. Without the advantages of a strategic union, he’ll have to work twice as hard to prove himself
But he had no regrets.
Even if his father disagreed, Adriel had already made up his mind.
Vincent saw that clearly in his son’s eyes. He sighed deeply, but instead of reprimanding him, he simply said, “After everything that’s happened….. I’ve come to realize parents shouldn’t always assume they know what’s best. What we believe is right might not feel that way to our children.”
He thought of Iria He’d believed he treated her fairly-maybe a bit strict, maybe a little distant–but he’d never imagined she’d resent him so much she’d try to kill him. That one mistake had nearly destroyed the family.
And Vincent wasn’t sure he could survive another betrayal.
“Dad!” Adriel looked up, hopeful.
Vincent gave him a small, peaceful smile. “If she’s who you want, that’s enough. You boys have turned out better than I could have hoped. Whether the Anderson family grows or not–it’s not what matters to me anymore. As long as you’re all happy, that’s enough.”
“Thank you. Dad,” Adriel had expected a fight. Knowing his father’s traditional mindset, he had prepared himself for a tough conversation. But he hadn’t anticipated such easy acceptance.
Gearly. Leia’s betrayal had shaken Vincent to his cure, enough to change his worldview.
Sull, Adriel wouldn’t let his father down. “Don’t worry. Dad. I’ll take the Anderson family to even greater heights.”
“Good“Vincent smiled, nodding
The his gaze returned to Elsie. “So, your
your name’s Elsic. What’s your full name?”
Elsie blinked, eyes confuled.
Vincent noticed the hesitation and grew puzzled himself. “Elsie?”
She blinked again, then murmured, “Ee.. ya..”
Hearing the odd sounds from her lips, a chill crept into Vincent’s heart. A sudden, unsettling thought took root.
H
adriel_
ht back
