Chapter_80
Chapter 80
Hesperus beamed, dimples appearing on his face. “Of course! I’ll treat you like my real granny. I’m sure Sun and Moon will feel the same way!”
Rosaline hugged him tightly. “You’ll always be my dear grandson,” she said, her voice full of affection.
Alana watched the scene, her expression darkening. Waves of jealousy and resentment washed over her. Hah! Looks like blood is thicker than water. Just look at the bond between grandmother and grandson. What could possibly break those invisible ties apart?
She glared at Emmeline. Why can’t I ever get rid of that woman?
While Alana simmered in frustration, the doctor entered the room for a routine check-up, prompting everyone else to leave.
“Isn’t it getting late, Abel? Shouldn’t you be at work?” Rosaline asked, noticing the time.
“I’ll go later,” Abel replied. “I’m still worried about Star.”
“You don’t need to worry about my son, Mr. Ryker,” Emmeline interjected. “I shouldn’t stop you from your work.”
“You look tired. Why don’t you go home and rest? I’ll stay here and take care of Star,” Abel said, his tone full of concern.
Emmeline shook her head, giving him a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
Alana, rubbing her stomach, chimed in, “That’s right, Abel. Why don’t you spend some time with me instead?”
Abel’s gaze hardened. “This isn’t the time to compare children,” he said, voice icy. “You should go home. There’s nothing for you here.”
“But…” Alana hesitated, clearly not wanting to leave.
“I don’t need so many people worrying over Star,” Emmeline said tactfully. “You should go home, Madam.”
Rosaline nodded in agreement and turned to leave.
Alana, reluctantly, followed her mother-in-law toward the elevator.
“You should go too,” Emmeline told Abel. “Company matters are more important.”
Abel frowned, still clearly worried. “I’m still worried about you two.”
“I said we’re okay,” Emmeline reassured him.
“If that’s the case, I’ll pick you up later tonight. Call me if you need anything,” Abel said.
Emmeline gave a small nod, her posture stiff but her expression softening just a little. “Mm.”
With that, Abel turned and walked into the elevator, Luca following closely behind.
The rest of the day passed quietly. Emmeline stayed by Hesperus’s side. In the afternoon, Julianna, Helios, and Endymion visited. The two boys cheered Hesperus up, while Julianna praised him for being so brave.
When they left, a bodyguard arrived with dinner from Nimbus Hotel. Emmeline and Hesperus ate heartily that evening.
“Looks like Abel Ryker is very dependable,” Hesperus remarked thoughtfully. “From what I can see, Adrien Ryker is nowhere near qualified.”
Emmeline sighed, looking weary. “Don’t mention his name.”
“But why isn’t Abel Ryker our daddy?” Hesperus asked, his voice filled with innocent curiosity.
Emmeline’s heart tugged. I wish he were your father too, but things didn’t turn out that way.
“Mommy, could you adults be mistaken?” Hesperus asked, his expression so earnest it almost broke Emmeline’s heart.
Emmeline smiled softly. “That’s impossible. I’ve seen the results myself. Your father is indeed Adrien Ryker.”
“What a pity,” Hesperus pouted, clearly disappointed.
Emmeline chuckled at his earnest face. “Don’t worry, sweetie. It doesn’t matter who your real daddy is. I’ll always be here with you. Neither of them can claim you for themselves.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Hesperus said with a smile. “I’m sure Helios and Endymion will be glad too.”
As the evening wore on, Hesperus’s condition stabilized, though his temperature remained high. Emmeline was still worried that bacteria might enter his bloodstream, but thankfully, Adrien was available for a transfusion.
Even though Adrien could be reckless and irresponsible, he was still dependable when it came to his son.
At the end of visiting hours, Emmeline kissed Hesperus gently on the forehead. “I’ll be going home now. Will you be okay here, alone in the hospital?”
