Chapter 159



A worried voice echoed from the other end of the phone. “Mr. Hayes, it seems we’re out of options. This boy is too sharp. He figured out something was amiss and took off. Going after his mother could backfire in ways we can’t predict.”

Brent’s hands tightened into fists, his eyes shimmering with a frosty glare. “I’ve been cast as the villain by everyone. My reputation no longer matters to me. Set it up. I need to have a serious conversation with him.”

As Brent ended the call, an urgent update came from the hospital. “Mr. Hayes, good news, Jerome has woken up.”

At that moment, Brent’s concerns vanished. He floored the accelerator and sped toward the hospital.

Before Brent even reached Jerome’s ward, the all-too-familiar, grating sound of weeping reached his ears.

Sophia was saying emotionally, “Dad, I was terrified while you were out. I promise never to be disobedient and wander off again. I’ve brought Boris back with me. He’ll look after you.”

Brent, his expression unyielding, swung the ward door open. He saw Sophia clutching Jerome’s hand, her tears flowing freely. Yet, to Brent, Sophia’s sorrow seemed tinged with insincerity.

Jerome appeared frail, a stark contrast to his previous vitality. He feebly extended his hand toward Sophia, his eyes lighting up slightly. “Sophia.”

Tears welled up in Jerome’s eyes. After all, Sophia was his only daughter, despite their past misunderstandings.

With age, the importance of family bonds and the joy of kinship often became more apparent.

Sophia, agitated, affectionately called Jerome “daddy.”

For a moment, Brent questioned whether his recollection of Sophia, who had bitterly denounced Jerome over her husband, was merely an illusion.

Sophia dabbed at her tears before casually turning to notice Brent by the door, quickly offering him a warm smile. “Why are you lingering at the door? Come in and see your grandfather.”

Brent approached with a somber face, listening as Sophia resumed her performance. “Dad, please don’t be upset. Brent hasn’t been able to visit the hospital much recently because he’s been swamped. But look, he’s here now. He really is a devoted grandson.”

Brent responded with a frosty tone, “Sophia, you make it sound like you’re the only one handling all the medical arrangements and consultations around the clock. Other than arriving here daily to weep and aggravate everyone, what contributions have you actually made?”

At that, Sophia’s sobbing came to an abrupt stop.

Embarrassment washed over her face.

“Brent!” Jerome, clearly displeased, cut in. His words triggered a coughing fit, exacerbated by his agitation.

Sophia reached out to assist Jerome, but he sidestepped her attempt.

Taking a moment to regain his composure, Jerome’s features hardened. “I need a moment alone with Brent. Please leave.”

Reluctantly, Sophia cast a lingering look at the two before exiting the ward.

With Sophia gone, Brent’s facade crumbled. Tears welled up in his eyes for the first time, and his hand shook as he clutched Jerome’s. “Grandpa, how are you holding up? Don’t worry, if things don’t work out here, we can seek treatment overseas. We’re bound to find a solution.”

Jerome shook his head, his expression softening into a loving smile, a rare change from his usual seriousness. “It’s my fault I wasn’t there for you when the family was in chaos. Now that things have settled, it only proves how capable you are. I trust you completely with our family’s future. These past few days must have been tough for you.”

Brent felt a surge of emotions and quickly turned his head to hide the tears brimming in his eyes.

Jerome continued, “I need to discuss something important with you. Your aunt has made many mistakes, but she remains my only daughter. If I’m ever not around, I ask that you don’t pass anything from the Hayes Group to her and her son. I’ve set aside some private savings for them. They’ll be taken care of.”

Brent was taken aback. “Grandpa, don’t you remember what she said when she left with that man? If she had cared even slightly for you, she wouldn’t have acted that way. Are you fooled by her?”

Jerome shook his head again, his tone resolute. “I’m not deceived. Though my eyesight may be weakening, my judgment remains sharp. But what can I do? She is still my daughter. I indulged her too much when she was young and didn’t guide her between right and wrong. It’s my fault… her father’s fault, after all.”

Jerome’s inner turmoil was evident, tears rolling down his cheeks.

Brent’s heart softened. After pondering the situation, he chose to keep Boris’ wrongdoings from Jerome. He didn’t want to add to Jerome’s worries. Given Jerome’s affection for Kallie, the truth would certainly distress him.

Brent couldn’t bear the thought of causing Jerome any harm.

His face set in determination, he said, “Don’t worry. As long as Boris and Kallie stay out of trouble from now on, I’ll treat them fairly.”

Jerome nodded, visibly relieved by his words.

Meanwhile, at the hospital door, Sophia stood tense and uneasy, stealing glances into Jerome’s ward.

Just as Sophia was about to step inside, one of the bodyguards Brent had appointed blocked her path.

Indignant, Sophia snapped, “What do you mean by this? I’m Jerome’s daughter. Why am I being treated like I don’t belong here?”

The bodyguard kept his composure, responding politely, “I’m sorry, but I’m following your father’s and your nephew’s instructions. You’ll need their permission to enter.”

Another voice chimed in, sharp and dismissive, “We take orders only from the head of the Hayes family. Are you the head?”

“You!” Sophia exhaled sharply, her frustration palpable. With a huff, she turned and left for another ward.

Sophia then called Boris. “I followed your advice. That old man was visibly moved when he saw me, tears and everything. But then Brent showed up, and they threw me out. What are they plotting in there? Do you think they’re trying to cut us off?”

The thought made Sophia tremble with fear. She was just getting used to the opulent lifestyle of the Hayes family again. How could she possibly face being ousted?

Boris’s voice was grim as it came through. “They’re not about to throw us out, but I suspect he was hinting to Brent that we’re no longer part of the Hayes’ future. If they really wanted us gone, they’d have told us directly. We can’t just confront them, we have to be more strategic.”

“No, I can’t accept that!” Sophia’s anger surged, and she clenched her fist, tempted to hurl her phone against the wall. “I am Jerome’s daughter, and you are his grandson. Why couldn’t we be the heirs? You are far more deserving than Brent. The Hayes legacy should be yours!”

“Mom,” Boris cut in, his tone laced with impatience. “Why raise your voice? The other branches of the Hayes family can’t compare to us. I’ve already secured an alliance with someone far more influential.”

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