Chapter 55

Chapter 55

The ward door was pushed open, and Stephanie assumed it was a nurse delivering the bill for the previous night’s settlement. However, unexpected guests arrived.

They were Horace and Matilda.

Because

se there were no surveillance cameras inside the mansion, only the housekeepers could testify as to how Austin entered the basement.

The previous night, two housekeepers changed their testimony. They confessed that Austin was in the basement because he didn’t want to leave with

ustin was

Stephanie.

However, they couldn’t reveal the truth to maintain Stephanie’s image.

Stephanie found it amusing. Their audacity stemmed from their belief that Austin would defend them. After all, family scandals should not be exposed,” or perhaps they assumed Austin would not wake up.

She asked coldly. “What are you here for?”

Horace looked around and didn’t see Vincent.

He snorted, “I’m here to visit my father!”

Matilda glared at Stephanie. “It’s because you insisted on him leaving, but he wanted to stay in the Hayes manor, so he hid in the basement!”

Stephanie chuckled at their shamelessness. “Stay in the Hayes manor? What’s his reason, then? To watch over his unfilial son?”

Horace’s face turned livid. “Stephanie, even if you deny it, you are still our daughter! How can you disrespect your elders? Do you know how much the company’s stocks have dropped in the last few days? There has not been a single day of peace since you returned! Last night, you reported that Austin was kidnapped, but he was found in the mansion. Are you trying to make the Hayes family a laughingstock in upper-class society? It’s all your fault!”

Stephanie understood their intentions. They just wanted to know how Austin was doing, when he would wake up, and how he would explain the situation the previous night. They weren’t genuinely concerned about his health.

if they were genuinely concerned, the incident wouldn’t have occurred.

Squinting her eyes, Stephanie said, “It’s useless to say anything now. When Grandpa wakes up, he’ll tell us what happened. If he was coerced, none of you will escape punishment! You two will spend your lives in prison.”

Horace glanced at the person on the hospital bed, his gaze devoid of warmth. He pointed at Stephanie. “Stephanie, it’s all your fault if anything happens to your grandfather! Matilda, let’s go!”

The two of them left the ward and only breathed a sigh of relief once they entered the elevator.

Matilda whispered, “Does Austin truly have brain damage?”

Horace nodded. “My classmate heard it. There’s absolutely no mistake. Just look at Stephanie’s angry expression earlier. Dad’s health must be deteriorating. I hope he doesn’t remember the housekeepers forcing him into the basement.”

“What if he remembers?” Matilda frowned.

Horace gritted his teeth. Then it depends on whether he still regards me as his son.”

Matilda hugged his arm. “Honey, what if Austiny doesn’t care about you anymore? What do we do then?”

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Chapter 55

Horace pursed his lips. He said nothing, but it appeared that he had made a ruthless decision in his heart.

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In the ward, Stephanie was sitting by Austin’s bedside. Her voice was stifled with emotion as she held his hand. “Grandpa, I’m sorry. I couldn’t protect

you.”

In the past, when Stephanie cried, Austin would always pat her on the head, telling her to be strong and that there was nothing to be afraid of if she faced

it bravely.

However, Austin was unconscious this time.

Mild brain damage could lead to memory or cognitive decline, decreased understanding and communication abilities, and even dementia.

If that were the case, it would be irreversible, and neither Stephanie nor Ronan could do anything to it.

“Grandpa…” she mumbled.

When Vincent brought the food, he saw her swollen eyes.

He reached out to gently caress her face. “Did you cry?”

Stephanie nodded.

“Come here.” Vincent pulled her over to sit on his lap, holding her and gently patting her back, “Don’t worry. Mr. Hayes will wake up, and he won’t have the aftereffects you’re worried about. Don’t overthink it. Everything is going to be okay.”

“Okay,” she responded.

Hearing Stephanie’s steady breathing on his shoulder, Vincent felt relieved. He knew that she had fallen asleep.

He adjusted her position, allowing her head to rest in the crook of his arm as if he were cradling a baby.

Her peaceful expression, tear-stained long lashes, and reddened nose made her appear vulnerable and pitiful.

Vincent’s heart ached.

Just then, Zane entered the room, and his gaze immediately fell on Vincent holding Stephanie, He immediately lowered his head.

“Do you need anything?” Vincent inquired.

“Mr. Fletcher, there’s a meeting with Majestic Corporation at half past eight,” Zane replied.

Without hesitation, Vincent uttered, “Postpone everything to tomorrow.”

Zane nodded, “Understood,”

Silently, he left the ward and thought, ‘Even Mr. Fletcher is a hopeless romantic. What a surprise.’

If Zane knew that Vincent would sacrifice himself for Stephanie in his previous life, he would definitely be shocked.

Stephanie woke up close to noon and saw the handsome face of the man before her.

Their eyes met, and Stephanie sat up. “Did I fall asleep?”

“Yes, and you even snored,” Vincent teased.

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“Really? But I never snore when I sleep.” Stephanie frowned.

Vincent chuckled.

It finally dawned on Stephanie that Vincent was teasing her.

She glanced at him and snorted, “You’re so annoying!”

Vincent smiled and stated, “I can’t get enough of your reactions when I tease you.”

“When did you become such a teaser?

easer? By t

the way, is your arm numb?” Stephanie muttered.

64%

“It’s fine,” he responded.

“I’ll give you a massage.” Stephanie looked at him while massaging his arm. “Your eyes are bloodshot. You didn’t sleep well last night?”

Vincent replied, “I couldn’t sleep without you. Tonight, you should sleep at home. Zane will stay here instead.”

“I should stay.” Stephanie responded.

“Be good and listen to me. Given Mr. Hayes’ condition, we don’t know when he’ll wake up. It’s too much for one person to handle,” Vincent said as he

tucked her hair behind her ear.

Stephanie nodded obediently. “Okay.”

“Are you hungry? I brought some oatmeal for you,” Vincent asked.

“Yes. It’s lunchtime now. Let’s have lunch together,” Stephanie replied, and Vincent smiled.

In the evening, Zane stayed in the ward to watch over Austin, while two bodyguards were stationed outside the ward.

Stephanie drove Vincent back to Tranquil Garden.

After washing up separately in their own bedrooms, Stephanie went to Christina’s bedroom. She examined Christina, and the latter’s condition appeared to be improving. Christina would probably wake up in a few days.

At that moment, the door was gently pushed open, and a figure walked in.