Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Sophia questioned, “What are you doing? Don’t mess with that.”
Leila typed on her phone to explain, “It’s really chilly here. Jerome just woke up, and with his frail health, he might catch a cold.”
“A cold?” Sophia sounded incredulous. “The doctors warned of heatstroke in this weather. My father isn’t young anymore. Heatstroke could cause even bigger problems. What exactly are you doing here so often?”
As Sophia spoke, her eyes raked over Leila critically.
Feeling the weight of Sophia’s stare, Leila squirmed, mindful that she was on the Hayes family’s territory and needed to maintain her manners.
“Enough!” The sharp command came from Jerome on the hospital bed.
Leila’s spirits lifted at the sound of his voice, and she quickly moved toward him.
Upon Leila’s arrival, the nurse had told her that Jerome had just taken his medication and was asleep. Now seeing Jerome awake and alive flooded Leila with relief.
However, before Leila could get closer, Sophia hastened forward and shoved Leila aside.
Sophia’s smile was flattering as she asked with a hint of caution, “Dad, is there any discomfort? What would you like for lunch today?”
Jerome coughed several times and gestured dismissively.
Sophia’s reluctance was evident in her voice, tinged with dissatisfaction. “Why should I leave? Why let her stay? Honestly, I don’t trust her. The doctor mentioned that outsiders shouldn’t be allowed in. Brent knows about your condition, yet he insisted on letting her in. He’s putting a woman over his own family.”
Leila glanced at Sophia. Sophia seemed strange. She hadn’t done anything to upset Sophia, had she? Why was Sophia showing such animosity toward her?
Perhaps it wasn’t about her, but about Brent.
It appeared Irene was right; Brent really was in a precarious situation within the Hayes family.
Jerome said nothing, merely fixing Sophia with a stern gaze.
Sophia appeared slightly intimidated and stood up hesitantly.
As Sophia departed, she muttered under her breath, “My dad is really getting senile.”
Once Sophia had left, a wave of guilt washed over Leila. She made a remorseful gesture, explaining that she should have come sooner but had been caught up in too many things and couldn’t make it.
Jerome responded with a gentle shake of his head, his voice filled with warmth, “I understand. You’ve always been good to me. You must have been terribly worried while I was sick!”
Leila smiled. She comforted him by saying that the doctor had been optimistic, assuring him that with proper rest, he’d have a long life ahead.
Jerome let out a weary sigh before inquiring, “Brent mentioned you’re considering switching jobs within the Hayes Group. Do you think the consultant role isn’t a good fit for you?”
Leila shook her head, quickly typed a message on her phone, and showed it to Jerome: “I struggle with communication. This role suits someone else better. I’d rather focus on relic restoration, and I’m planning to give a portion of my salary to Brent. You’ve all been so supportive, and with the Hayes Group facing these tough times, I don’t want to add to your troubles.”
“Nonsense,” Jerome said, his brow furrowed in irritation, which caused him to cough violently.
Leila rushed to his side, supporting him and gently patting his back to calm him.
Jerome gave her a look that was both frustrated and affectionate. “Why all this formality? I already see you as my granddaughter. There’s no need to give your salary back or switch jobs. Just give your all at work and don’t fret over other issues. I might be old, but my mind is still sharp. I didn’t assign you this role without good reason. If you’re not willing to handle the job, it just shows you don’t trust me. Why even come visit then?”
Leila was touched by his words.
It’s often said that the elderly regress to childlike states, and perhaps there was truth to it.
Leila reassured Jerome she would continue to work for the Hayes Group, which finally put Jerome at ease.
Jerome sighed deeply and continued, “Even if you weren’t at the Hayes Group, I’d still give you this twenty million. It’s a debt I owe you and Roderick. I’m setting up this job to ease your mental load. Work hard, Leila, and never hesitate to tell me if you feel aggrieved. Don’t keep it all inside like Brent did. When I’m gone, Brent will lead the Hayes family. He’ll look out for you. You’ll have nothing to fear.”
Jerome gripped Leila’s hand, his gaze filled with worry.
Tears welled up in Leila’s eyes. She quickly typed a message on her phone: “Don’t worry about it. You’re going to be okay. The doctor was optimistic about your recovery.”
Sophia, standing at the doorway, had listened to every word. A shadow crossed her face as she muttered bitterly, “That silent bitch?”
When Leila stepped outside, Sophia shot her a fierce glare.
Leila clung to Jerome’s earlier words.
Jerome had confided in Leila about the wrongdoings done by Sophia and her son. Despite his awareness, he felt powerless to stop them. Years before, in a moment of anger, he had treated Sophia harshly, causing her much distress. But she was still his daughter, and the thought of cutting ties with her was unbearable.
As Sophia seemed ready to make amends, Jerome preferred to maintain superficial harmony, setting boundaries only if she crossed the line.
Leila couldn’t quite see eye to eye with that perspective.
She believed that greed in people was cultivated.
Nonetheless, Leila remained silent, recognizing the weight behind Jerome’s words. As people aged, they longed for their children’s love. If Sophia could alter her behavior, she and her son could lead fulfilling lives. Their destiny was within their control.
In the hospital room, Sophia watched Jerome take his medication and then decisively dialed Boris’ number.
In Jerome’s presence, Sophia didn’t mince her words. “Boris, Leila visited your grandfather today. I just can’t understand what appeal that silent woman has. She isn’t even related to the Hayes family by blood, yet your cousin defends her, and so does your grandfather.”
Boris responded with concern, “Where are you now?”
With a smug face, Sophia answered, “In your grandfather’s hospital room. Don’t worry. He’s just taken his medicine and is sound asleep, completely oblivious. Even if the world were ending, he wouldn’t wake up.”
Anxious and concerned, Boris admonished his mother, “Mom, haven’t I told you to be extra careful? Go somewhere else to talk.”
Reluctantly, Sophia stood up and retreated to the bathroom. She continued, “I overheard Jerome and Leila discussing twenty million and something about supporting her. What does that mean? Is he planning to allocate part of his estate to Leila after he passes away?”
Sophia couldn’t grasp the full extent of their conversation. She only clung to the mention of twenty million.
A sense of urgency struck Boris. “I had always thought Jerome wasn’t that reckless, but now, I’m not certain. He might not directly leave the inheritance to Leila, but it’s possible he’d enhance Brent’s share to ensure her protection.”
This unsettled Sophia deeply. “What are we going to do? Your cruel grandfather never intended to leave us anything, and now with Leila in the picture, if he increases Brent’s share because of her, we’ll end up with nothing.”
“Don’t worry,” Boris reassured her, his eyes narrowing with a sinister intent. “We’ll devise a plan to tarnish Leila’s reputation, ensuring the Hayes family severs all ties with her. Then, we’ll find a way to claim that twenty million for ourselves.”
Sophia, feeling a surge of relief, responded enthusiastically, “I’ll leave that in your hands. Don’t worry about the hospital. I’ve got everything under control here.”
After Boris ended the call, he gazed at Landon’s villa looming before him.
With a determined stride, Boris approached and knocked on the door. Once admitted, he didn’t waste a moment before inquiring, “Is Mrs. Sarah Kensington available?”
The servant passed on Boris’ question.
Sarah, unfamiliar with Boris, felt puzzled. “The Guzman family? Is there a Guzman family in the city?”
However, her interest was piqued when Boris addressed her as “Mrs. Kensington.”
She instructed, “If he knows his way to the Kensington family villa, he must hold some significance. Let him in. I’ll meet with him.”
Greeting Boris with the grace of a seasoned hostess, Sarah welcomed him inside.
Boris, in turn, showered Sarah with compliments, which gradually drew out a more majestic air from Sarah.
Growing more and more pleased, Sarah finally posed her question with a raised brow. “What brings you here? Are you trying to charm me into advocating for you with Landon? I’m afraid I’m not the one to assist you.”
Boris was quick to dismiss the notion with a shake of his head. “Oh no, not at all. I’m here because, like you, I find myself at odds with a mutual enemy.”
“A mutual enemy?” Sarah’s gaze swung to Boris, her voice laced with incredulity. “Do you really think we’re equals?”
Boris, although inwardly disdainful of Sarah’s dismissive attitude, masked his feelings well. He replied with measured caution, “Actually, my mother is a Hayes. We’ve just returned to the city to re-establish ties with the Hayes family, which explains why you might not recognize me. However, you’re certainly aware of Leila’s connection to the Hayes family. Frankly, we can’t stand her. We’re baffled by the methods she’s used to ingratiate herself with my grandfather. He’s grown old and easily manipulated, bending to her every desire. Just earlier, she was at the hospital, sweet-talking him into leaving her a part of his estate.”