Chapter 521

Frederick harbored a hidden sense of regret and sadness in his heart.

How had he and Marguerite ended up in this place today?

He had loved her so much back then, so desperate to have her. But now, all he could distinctly recognize was his hatred for her. The love, the adoration, It all seemed to be blurring into obscurity.

So, if Marguerite truly was Hayes’ mother, what was he to do?

Should he keep things distant, or should he take her back for the sake of their child?

Frederick was in utter disarray…

Early the next morning.

Manley’s blood transfusion surgery was scheduled for eight. He dutifully changed into his hospital gown, ready to step into the operating room, when he noticed everyone’s eyes on him.

In that instant, his mind conjured up scenes from TV dramas where only the gravely ill received such worried and tense gazes from their families.

His dad, Aunt Marguerite, Teresa, and Hayes-they all looked at him with that same concern.

This sudden sense of crisis struck Manley with the fear that he might never come out once he went in.

Still, he suppressed his nerves, put on a cool front, and tilted his chin up proudly at Hayes. “Hey, little mute! If I don’t make it out, you can have all the Legos in the toy room!”

Hayes froze, his nose tingling, tears threatening to spill from his eyes. “You’ll be… you’ll be okay.”

Manley’s face showed defiance, but he mustered all his courage and asked, “So if I do make it out, can you… can you be my. friend?”

Be his friend? Hayes was shocked. Manley wanted to be his friend?

This was the first time Manley had ever extended an olive branch so directly, leaving Hayes utterly flabbergasted.

Unable to hold back any longer, tears streamed down Hayes’ cheeks as he shook his head wildly, unable to utter a word.

Seeing this, Teresa playfully chimed in, “You guys aren’t friends!”

Disappointment surged in Manley at her words. Little Mute must still be mad at him, and Teresa probably hated him too…

But to his surprise, the next second, he saw Teresa flash him a mischievous smile. “You’re his brother, not just friends, silly! Manley, Little Mute and I will wait for you to come out! Once you’re better, I’ll let you join our ‘Vine Whip Alliance”!”

Teresa promptly grabbed Hayes and Manley’s hands, embracing them tightly, all three bursting into heartfelt tears.

It was a scene both touching and funny.

Frederick watched contentedly, feeling that everything was starting to go smoothly now that Yuna was out of the picture.

It seemed that keeping Yuna away from Manley and Hayes was indeed the right decision.

Just then, Chuck received a phone call. After a brief exchange, he approached Frederick and whispered, “Mr. Winston, the lab called about the maternity test for Hayes and Marguerite. The results are in.”