Chapter 507

Jackass? Frederick’s use of the word “jackass” to describe the head honcho of the Fitzgerald Group’s behavior today left everyone in the room gobsmacked. And Hackett himself shuddered at the comment!

He was about to blow his top, but even as an elder, he had to give Frederick his due respect considering Frederick’s stature. Besides, he had just acknowledged his daughter’s return to the fold today, and he had more pressing matters to attend to! He needed to get her home pronto, to fulfill his wife’s dying wish.

So, he had no choice but to suck it up. But make no mistake, a score had been settled between him and Frederick today.

Marguerite, who had just stepped out of the sickroom with Frederick, was utterly flabbergasted. She couldn’t fathom why Frederick had gone to bat for her like that today.

Puzzled yet warmed by the unexpected defense, she wondered, “Does he still care for me after all?”

Her emotions were all over the place as she followed him into the VIP ward.

By now, Hayes had been moved to a room, where Chuck was playing assistant to the doctor, hanging a blood bag and transferring the much–needed blood back into the boy.

“Mr. Winston, the guard detail is tight outside the little master’s room. Should we move Manley here as well, for convenience’s sake?”

Frederick pondered briefly, then replied succinctly, “Yeah.”

“Right away, Mr. Winston. I’ll fetch Manley from downstairs.” With that, Chuck dashed off.

Marguerite took a seat on the edge of Hayes‘ bed. Seeing little Hayes still out cold, a deep pang of sorrow washed over her.

For some reason, she was racked with guilt. Why hadn’t she protected him better?

Logically, Hayes was Yuna and Frederick’s child, and it wasn’t her place to worry. Yet, there was this strange feeling gnawing at her, causing both pain and distress.

She’d have taken his place in a heartbeat to spare him this suffering.

Her hand gently caressed Hayes‘ cheek, which was finally showing signs of warming up.

Teresa, ever the sensible child, touched Hayes‘ hand and pouted, “Mommy, Hayes‘ hand is so cold. He must be freezing! Should I heat up some water and warm him up?”

Thankfully, Teresa’s maturity offered Marguerite some solace.

Nodding, she instructed softly, “Be careful not to burn yourself.”

“Got it!” Teresa hurried off, bustling about with purpose.

After tucking Hayes in, Frederick approached Marguerite, his tone neutral but firm, “Take Teresa home.”

Marguerite was defiant, “I’m not going.”

I don’t want Maurice Winston on my back asking for her,” he said, clearly irritated.

Marguerite locked eyes with him, her gaze shimmering, “Nothing is more important than Hayes. And I’m sure Teresa wouldn’t want to leave either.” With that, she turned her attention back to Hayes, leaving Frederick silently moved.

For a fleeting moment, he entertained the illusion that Marguerite was his wife, and Hayes, their shared son.

He quickly snapped out of it, realizing she was lost in thought, staring out the window, a trace of melancholy crossing her features.

Then, with a gentleness even he didn’t recognize in his voice, he couldn’t help but ask, “Feeling down?”