Chapter 356: Last Wish

Natalie continued to sit in the waiting room, waiting for Albert to wake up so she could finally see him. Yesterday, when he had called her, she had sensed something was off, but she had believed his words when he said he was fine. Now, she deeply regretted not visiting him that very day.

Justin sat quietly by her side, having canceled all his meetings for the day. Natalie hadn’t eaten anything for hours, so he arranged a quick meal for her and gently urged her to eat, even though she clearly wasn’t in the mood.

Hours passed, and it was now noon.

Finally, the nurse approached them. "Mr. Ford is awake. Only two people are allowed to visit at a time."

Sephina, who had been unusually quiet until now, immediately stood up at the news. Natalie wanted to rush to Albert, but knowing that Sephina was his wife, she held herself back—it was only right for her to go first. Jay accompanied Sephina into the room.

Natalie stood outside Albert’s room, anxiously waiting for her turn, her expression a mix of worry and impatience.

"Calm down. You’ll see him soon," Justin whispered softly to her.

She took a deep breath and nodded.

"I’ll get you some water," Justin added gently before walking away.

As soon as he was out of sight, Clara and Briena took their chance to approach Natalie with sneers on their faces.

"Natalie, you’re not even family. What makes you think you can see Father before us?" Clara said sharply, glaring as she noticed Natalie wasn’t about to let them pass.

Natalie wasn’t in the mood to argue and chose to remain silent.

"Natalie, move aside already and don’t crowd us in our own family matters," Briena added in a mocking tone. "Just go back where you belong."

Still, Natalie didn’t say a word, though her fingers clenched tightly, trying to hold her composure.

Suddenly, a cold voice broke the tension.

"You two better shut your mouths and stop annoying my wife," Justin warned icily as he returned. "Or I know how to silence people for good—so they never speak again."

A chill ran down Clara and Briena’s spines at his sharp tone.

Still, Clara mustered up her usual defiance. "You two are not part of our family. Natalie isn’t a Ford—she’s not even blood-related, and she doesn’t acknowledge being a Ford now. That makes her an outsider. And so are you."

Justin’s gaze turned colder as his sharp eyes locked on Clara’s. "Your husband, Jay, is only acknowledged by the old woman as her son, but that doesn’t make a Ford. Especially —who, if you ask me, might not even share Jay Ford’s blood."

Clara’s eyes widened as she exclaimed, "What nonsense are you talking about? Briena is Jay’s daughter! Do you take me for Caryn...?"

"You better not compare yourself to my mother-in-law. You don’t deserve it," Justin shot back, his tone full of mockery. "And I can prove that anytime by throwing your past right in front of you."

Clara swallowed hard, clearly anxious. "You... You two are such a nuisance," she spat and turned to Briena. "Let’s go from here before he spouts more nonsense."

Briena, still trying to understand the meaning behind Justin’s words, followed her mother.

"Mom, what was he saying?" she asked quietly.

"Don’t pay attention to his nonsense. He and Natalie only know how to meddle in our lives," Clara muttered as they walked away.

-----

After a while, Jay came out of the room, though Sephina was still inside.

Natalie looked at him, wondering if she should ask about Albert.

Jay met her gaze and, before she could speak, said, "He’s awake. He’s talking to Mother. You can go in once she’s out."

Natalie hummed in acknowledgment as Jay walked away.

Ten minutes later, Sephina finally stepped out. Natalie looked at her, but the older woman walked past without even sparing her a glance. Still, she neither questioned Natalie’s presence nor tried to stop her.

Natalie entered the room, Justin following quietly behind her.

Her heart ached as she saw Albert lying in bed, frail and pale. His eyes were closed, his breathing shallow, and the soft beeping of the machines attached to him echoed in the quiet room.

Natalie walked to his bedside, and as if sensing her presence, Albert slowly opened his eyes.

"Grandpa," Natalie whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

A soft smile touched the old man’s lips as he weakly said, "My Natalie... I can finally see you..."

Natalie sat down in the chair beside him and gently took his hand in hers. "I should have come earlier... I’m sorry," she said sadly, her eyes full of regret.

Albert gave her hand a weak squeeze. "As long as I can see you before I take my last breath... it’s all fine..."

Natalie had promised herself she wouldn’t cry, but hearing those words, her eyes turned moist.

"Don’t say that," she whispered, blinking back tears. "Just get better soon... I’ll visit you every day. I promise."

Albert nodded faintly and then looked over at Justin, who stood quietly nearby.

"Mr. Ford," Justin said respectfully.

Albert smiled weakly, shaking his head. "You’re my granddaughter’s husband... do you still want to call me Mr. Ford?"

"I’m sorry, Grandpa," Justin said softly, to which Albert offered a content smile.

"Aiden, now that you are with Natalie, I don’t have to worry about her anymore. I’m glad she has you," Albert said, his voice weak but sincere.

"I will always take care of her and protect her. You can rest assured," Justin promised, saying exactly what Albert wished to hear.

The old man hummed faintly, turning his gaze to Natalie, as if he had something going on his mind.

"Can I ask you for something... for the last time...?" finally he said.

"Yes, Grandpa," Natalie replied instantly, without even a moment’s hesitation.

"You can decline if you don’t want to," Albert said gently.

"Please, tell me, Grandpa," she