Chapter 200
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The girl nodded silently.
Sarah was leaving her office when James called. She didn’t want to talk and immediately hung up.
Mia and Zachary had already departed for the auction. Sarah knew the walk from campus to her apartment was brief.
As she approached her building, a car pulled up. The window lowered, revealing Charlotte, who called out urgently: “Miss Sanders, grandfather has collapsed!”
Sarah’s heart raced. “What?!”
“Get in!”
Without hesitation, Sarah jumped into Charlotte’s car. Perhaps those persistent calls from James had been about this emergency, though she’d dismissed them earlier.
At the hospital, James stood slumped against the doorway while nurses moved in and out of his father’s room.
She approached him, brow furrowed. “What happened to your father?”
James looked haggard, a flash of unease crossing his eyes. “The butler called. I’m not entirely sure.”
Charlotte watched their interaction, her fists clenched, her mind seemingly elsewhere.
A nurse emerged, reporting that Richard was now awake and stable.
They entered the hospital room. Richard lay pale on the bed, Charlotte trailing behind them.
Sarah and James stood by the bedside, with Charlotte awkwardly positioned nearby.
Seeing Sarah, Richard reached out with trembling hands. She didn’t pull away.
“Grandpa, are you feeling alright? Did you forget to eat?” She noticed the deep worry lines etched in his forehead.
“Did James tell you about everything? I know you don’t want to see me. I’m ashamed after what Lucy did-” He broke off with a heavy sigh.
Suddenly, Sarah understood. James had likely brought her here because of Lucy’s situation.
Lucy had been committed to a mental health facility. James had originally arranged everything with the director, but Zachary had intervened.
“Grandpa,” Sarah said firmly, “Lucy’s actions are her own. I know you care about me.”
Richard patted her hand. “I hardly deserve your compassion. I kept asking James to bring you here, but you never came. I thought you were angry with me.”
Chapter 200
She glanced at James, realizing those repeated calls had come directly from Richard.
A soft smile crossed her lips. “Don’t worry so much. Just focus on getting better.”
Her hand slipped away almost imperceptibly.
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Richard spoke reflectively. “I know I shouldn’t try to manipulate your emotions. Yesterday, I saw a video of Lucy in the hospital. I’d intended to let her learn her lesson, but she was throwing herself against the walls, begging me and James to help her.” He paused, his voice cracking. “I’m sorry. I’m ashamed to even discuss this with you. I thought about asking you to intervene, but now I’ve changed my mind.”
A complex emotion flickered in Sarah’s eyes. She knew Richard would inevitably bring up this painful topic.
