Chapter 1019
The Abernathy father and son stood there, utterly taken aback. Evadne, though quieter in her surprise, was no less affected. Her dark eyes, however, held a hint more of scrutiny and suspicion.
"Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Frederic, here's the situation," Alexia spoke from behind Chad, her long lashes casting shadows over her worried brow. "Eighteen years ago, after the kidnapping, the young master suffered organ failure and nerve paralysis. He endured many hardships in Country M, trying various treatments just to stabilize his condition. Every day, he relies on numerous medications to live a normal life."
Frederic felt a pang of sorrow at her words and murmured, "My child, you've been through so much."
Chad simply responded with a light, nonchalant smile and shook his head.
Alexia's eyes softened with sympathy. "Back then, the nerve damage left him unable to control his legs like a normal person. His damaged organs meant his physical abilities were greatly diminished. That's why he's relied on a wheelchair for so many years..."
Evadne's gaze was steady on Chad's straight, strong legs, her emotions hard to read.
Frederic hurried forward, concern etched on his face. "Chad, how are you feeling now?"
"Dad, I'm much better. You saw me standing just now, didn't you?" Chad's lips curved slightly. "I just can't run or jump like most people. Daily life isn't a problem."
"That's wonderful news!" Frederic was overjoyed. After all, his younger son was still unconscious, but his eldest had returned to the Abernathy family at such a crucial time, and his health seemed much improved.
His mind, previously clouded by worry, began to clear.
"Chad, you've come all this way for Thaddeus, traveling tirelessly. You must be exhausted," Hamilton, who had been silent, finally spoke up. "Your medical team is still back in Country M. Even though you're better, you'll need to continue treatment, right? How long do you plan to stay in Elmsworth?"
"Well." Chad's eyes narrowed slightly as he smiled. "I plan to stay for good, I suppose. Elmsworth, the Abernathy family-this is my home."
Hamilton's eyes widened in shock.
Evadne remained outwardly calm, but her hands at her sides clenched tightly, the blue veins beneath her skin pulsing faintly.
"Grandfather, Dad, do you know how much I've missed you all these years alone in Country M? Do you know
how hard I've worked to heal thionet
brokenbody, just to stand before you again like a man?" Chad's voice was full of a grievance that was softened by his smile and the clear, magnetic timbre of his voice, making him seem more composed than anyone else. "I endured so much and held on just to come home.
Grandfather, it seems like you're not very welcoming."
"No, no," Hamilton forced a grin, steadying himself. "Of course, I'm delighted you're back. No matter what, you're my grandson. I love you all equally."
Evadne, having spent so much time by her grandfather's side, understood him better than anyone. His tone and expression revealed the pretense and insincerity he tried to hide.
From the beginning, Evadne sensed her grandfather's indifference, even hostility, toward Chad, the eldest grandson of the Abernathy family. It was curious, considering Chad had been raised under his grandfather's watchful eye and was just as talented and promising ás
Thaddeus, who was once
considered an outsider.
Why did their grandfather, the patriarch of the Abernathy family, favor Thaddeus, the younger grandson, so much, even grooming him to be the heir, while keeping Chad at arm's length? Even with Chad's health issues, the disparity seemed excessive. And now, learning of Chad's improved health, there was no joy on their
grandfather's face-onlynoveldrama
apprehension and fear.
What was he afraid of? Was he worried Chad's return would threaten Thaddeus's claim to the family legacy?
But a third of the Abernathy family shares and key assets were still under the grandfather's control. Thaddeus held shares and served as CEO. Even if Frederic favored his eldest, Chad wouldn't easily gain control over the Abernathy family, would he?
So what was the seasoned, battle-hardened grandfather truly afraid of? When Chad left the hospital, he was still in a wheelchair. Alexia and a bodyguard helped him into the luxurious Bentley. As soon as he settled, and the car began to move, Evadne suddenly appeared, gripping the rising window with both hands!
The bodyguard slammed the brakes, and Alexia's heart nearly jumped out of her chest as she glared at Evadne's cool, beautiful face in frustration. "Ms. Evadne, what were you thinking, jumping out at a moving car? You could've been seriously hurt!"
Chad raised his clean, elegant hand, gesturing for Alexia to be quiet, then turned to Evadne with a gentle smile. "Ms. Evadne, did you want to speak with me?"
Evadne ran her tongue over her teeth. "Yes."
Alexia and the bodyguard waited outside as Evadne accepted Chad's invitation to join him in the car. Inside, there was a faint, bitter scent of medication mixed with a subtle, elusive fragrance.
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