There was a prolonged silence on the other end of the line before Beckham let out a soft chuckle. You silly child.â
âThis is what parents should do.â
Cherise shook her head, âDad, your video came at the perfect timeâ¦â
Just this morning, she revealed her initial failed case, which involved her own mother. Within an hour, Beckhamâs and Charisaâs videos from years ago were uploaded directly to the internet.
Before the troll army attacking Cherise could escalate the situation, these two videos completely nullified their efforts.
âDamien orchestrated it,â
Beckham chuckled. âThat video was recorded a few days ago when Lucy visited with Mandy to inform me of the challenges you would face.â
Cheriseâs grip on the phone tightened as she processed this revelation. âYou mean⦠this videoâ¦â
She slapped her forehead, finally understanding why Lucy had rushed to find Mandy.
So, when she went to see Mandy a few days ago, it was for thisâ¦
A surge of warmth filled the womanâs heart.
So⦠Damien knew everything.
Before she even confessed to him, he had already deduced that the first case in her thesis pertained to Charisa, hadnât he?
Otherwise, why would he have hastily dispatched Lucy to Europe before the plagiarism incident erupted?
âYes,â
Beckham chuckled, his voice tinged with emotion. âDamien truly cares about you.â
âThe crisis the Lenoir Group faces now is dire, and I am well aware of it.â
âI thought that at this time, he would devote all his energy to work. Yet, unexpectedly, he had foreseen the crisis you would face and made the most timely responseâ¦â
âIn this regard, he surpasses even me.â
His tone grew somber. âThroughout his life. I have never been able to protect the person I love the mostâ¦â
âBut Damien has done it.â
âCherise, with him by your side, even if I were to pass away now, I would have no regretsâ¦â
Alarmed by Beckhamâs words, Cherise quickly interjected, âDad, what nonsense are you talking about?â
âI no longer have a mother, so you must live well. I still need you to help me take care of my children in the future!â
Beckham was brought back to reality by his daughterâs words.
He forced a bitter smile. âYes, I cannot afford to die.â
âYour two little ones at home canât do without meâ¦â
After ending the call with Beckham, Cherise felt a gnawing unease.
She hesitated for a long while before dialing Mandyâs number. âKeep an eye on my dad for me.â
âI have a feeling that something is amiss with his emotionsâ¦â
Heâs not unwell or facing any calamity, yet he mentioned death several times during our recent conversation. As a daughter, Cherise couldnât help but feel unsettled.
âUnderstood,â
Mandy replied promptly. âIâll visit Uncle Beckham more often these days.â Butâ¦â
She paused, leaving the rest unsaid.
Cherise furrowed her brows, âBut what?â
âItâs nothing,â
Mandy sighed. âHowever, Iâve noticed lately that heâs made many new friends and seems happy every day.â
âI donât think heâs feeling down.â
âBut since have concerns, Iâll you pay closer attention.â
Cherise nodded, finding solace in Mandyâs observation that Beckham had recently made new friends.