Chapter 131



At Irene’s explanation, Kallie instinctively turned around.

As expected, beside Boris stood a woman whose delicate features contrasted sharply with her age. Her gentle, petite frame sparked an immediate sense of empathy. The woman was unmistakably Jerome’s youngest daughter and Boris’ mother, Sophia.

Irene went on to explain, “Later, Sophia’s husband seemed to have met his end in a car accident. Upon learning of Jerome’s illness, Sophia brought Boris back and took care of Jerome. Jerome couldn’t bring himself to be too stern with Sophia, given they are related by blood. Now, with Jerome ailing, it’s Sophia and Boris managing everything. Jerome, aged as he is, places great value on family unity. Therefore, things have smoothed out a bit.”

Kallie pressed her lips tightly together, remaining silent.

Catching Kallie’s reaction, Irene smiled knowingly. “You sense something’s amiss, don’t you?”

Kallie gave a slight nod.

If Sophia truly respected Jerome, why had she previously caused him such distress over a man? Moreover, Jerome kicked Sophia out once. It was Sophia who chose to leave on her own and had avoided visiting all these years. Yet now, with Jerome’s health failing, Sophia had returned, her child in tow.

Still, this was someone else’s family drama, and Kallie refrained from commenting further.

Kallie and Irene made their way into Jerome’s hospital room. Upon seeing the frail figure in the bed, Kallie’s eyes filled with tears.

Jerome appeared relatively spirited today. He had been gazing out the window but turned his head at the sound of their arrival. Spotting Kallie, he beamed. “You’re here.” With some effort and the nurse’s assistance, Jerome managed to sit up and waved at Kallie.

Kallie quickly crossed the room and took Jerome’s hand in hers.

As Kallie felt the frailty of Jerome’s hand, her heart sank further. This scene mirrored the painful memory of Roderick’s decline years earlier. Although time had passed, the wounds felt fresh, the trauma of loss still vivid.

Kallie dreaded watching those she cared about suffer in their twilight years. She tightened her grip on Jerome’s hand, silently wishing she could transfer some of her strength to him.

Jerome, noticing her distress, offered a feeble smile. “Don’t worry, my dear. This is a path we all must tread. I’m just glad you’re here with me now. My old friends are waiting for me. It’s almost a reunion. And don’t worry, I’m not suffering.”

Kallie struggled to find her voice, choked by emotion, but Jerome’s words seemed to reach her, offering solace.

Kallie dabbed at her eyes and mustered a smile. She swiftly typed down her response and activated the text-to-speech function for Jerome to grasp her message better, opting against using sign language. “I’m fine, Mr. Hayes. Just please, take care of yourself. You’ll get better, so let’s not talk of farewells just yet.”

Jerome nodded understandingly.

Seeing that the conversation was wearing on Jerome, Kallie decided it was time to leave. She gently squeezed his hand once more before quietly exiting the room.

Before leaving to attend to something, Irene caught up with Kallie, saying, “Brent was planning to come by to discuss something with you.”

Kallie had matters to discuss with Brent. Since she had no other commitments, she could simply stay here and wait for him.

Kallie nodded before bidding goodbye to Irene.

As soon as Kallie stepped out of Jerome’s hospital room, Boris intercepted her.

Kallie tensed, anticipating a confrontation, and took a step back, but his expression was one of remorse.

Boris said apologetically, “I apologize. I’ve been anxious about my grandfather, and the doctor’s update wasn’t positive. Thus, I acted rudely toward you. I later found out you are quite close with my grandpa. Your visit really lifts his spirits. I was wrong to be discourteous. I owe you thanks instead.”

Kallie was taken aback by his reasonableness. She scrutinized him, noticing the genuine clarity in his eyes. The concern he displayed when speaking of Jerome appeared heartfelt.

Kallie’s expression softened. She typed down her response. “I’m glad to hear you’re this concerned for Jerome. I’m not offended. I’d likely have done the same in your situation.”

Boris, slightly embarrassed, flushed a gentle red. “Thanks for being understanding. Could I possibly get your contact details?”

Seeing the cautious expression on Kallie’s face, Boris hastened to clarify, “I can see you’re eager to visit my grandfather again. My mom and I have managed everything regarding his stay at the hospital. If we swap contact details, just let me know whenever you’d like to visit, and I’ll make the arrangements.”

This proposition seemed reasonable, and Kallie found herself without a good reason to decline. She then gave Boris her alternative contact information.

After exchanging information, Kallie felt a need for some solitude, so she bid Boris farewell and headed toward the lounge.

As Kallie departed, the smile gradually vanished from Boris’ face as he examined the contact details she had left him.

Just then, Sophia approached with a look of disapproval. “That girl can’t speak. I can’t fathom why my dad is drawing close to someone like her. He’s probably out of his senses.”

Boris gave a faint smile. “Mom, her background isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Anyway, we should back Jerome’s decisions. If he takes a liking to her, then so should we. It’s important to prove that we’re the most prudent among his grandchildren.”

Sophia paused, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I noticed that girl seemed quite willing. She didn’t hesitate to give you her contact details. Perhaps she’s taken an interest in you. Maybe you should take some initiative?”

Boris’ annoyance was apparent. “Mom, really? You think I’d entertain the idea of dating a woman who hardly talks? It would be awkward to introduce her to our circles. But I might entertain her a bit. We’ll see how it unfolds.”

Sophia didn’t say anything.

Half an hour later, Brent arrived.

Kallie emerged at the sound of the commotion, curious about the cause.

Brent had gone to visit Jerome, flanked by a team of doctors and nurses.

Always methodical and decisive, Brent managed every situation with precision.

Boris and Sophia attempted to follow Brent inside but were barred by Brent’s bodyguards.

From her years of honing the skill of observation, Kallie detected a brief flash of resentment in Boris’ eyes.

The contents of the conversation in Jerome’s ward remained a mystery to all outside.

Upon exiting Jerome’s ward, Brent appeared even more exhausted and drawn.

Boris and Sophia moved toward Brent eagerly, but something about them seemed to irk Brent.

Brent’s face was impassive, his eyes distant and cool as he stared at Sophia and Boris.

Sophia looked angry, but Boris quickly hushed her with a whisper that seemed to soothe her, leading her to move away.

Noticing Kallie tucked away in a corner, Brent brushed past Boris and strode directly toward her.

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