Chapter 131

Olivia instinctively turned at Isabella's explanation.

There he stood beside Alexander - Julian Hawthorne with his mother Eleanor at his side. The delicate features of the woman contrasted sharply with her age, her petite frame radiating an air of fragility that demanded sympathy. This was undoubtedly William's youngest daughter and Julian's mother.

Isabella continued, "Later, Eleanor's husband apparently died in a car accident. When she learned of William's illness, she brought Julian back to care for him. William couldn't bring himself to be harsh with his own flesh and blood. Now with William's declining health, Eleanor and Julian manage everything. At his age, William values family unity above all, so tensions have eased somewhat."

Olivia pressed her lips together, remaining silent.

Noticing her reaction, Isabella smiled knowingly. "You sense something's off, don't you?"

Olivia gave a slight nod.

If Eleanor truly respected William, why had she caused him such distress over a man years ago? William had disowned her once, and she'd chosen to stay away all these years. Yet now, with William's health failing, she'd returned with her son in tow.

Still, this was another family's drama, and Olivia refrained from further comment.

They entered William's hospital room. Seeing the frail figure in bed, Olivia's eyes welled with tears.

William appeared surprisingly alert today. He'd been gazing out the window but turned at their entrance. Spotting Olivia, his face lit up. "You came." With the nurse's help, he struggled to sit up and beckoned her closer.

Olivia rushed to his side, taking his fragile hand in hers.

The paper-thin skin and protruding bones sent a pang through Olivia's heart, resurrecting painful memories of Henry Winslow's final days. Though years had passed, the wounds felt fresh, the trauma of loss still vivid.

She hated watching loved ones suffer in their twilight years. Tightening her grip, she wished she could transfer some of her strength to him.

Noticing her distress, William offered a weak smile. "Don't fret, my dear. This path comes to us all. I'm just grateful you're here now. My old friends await me - it's nearly reunion time. And I'm not suffering, truly."

Olivia struggled to speak past the lump in her throat, but William's words brought unexpected comfort.

Dabbing her eyes, she forced a smile. Quickly typing her response, she used the text-to-speech function rather than sign language for William's benefit. "I'm fine, Mr. Hayes. Just focus on getting better. No talk of goodbyes yet."

William nodded understandingly.

Seeing him tire, Olivia prepared to leave. Giving his hand one final squeeze, she quietly exited.

Before departing on an errand, Isabella caught up with her. "Alexander plans to stop by later to discuss something with you."

Having matters to discuss with Alexander herself, and no other commitments, Olivia decided to wait.

She nodded her goodbye to Isabella.

Stepping into the hallway, Olivia found herself face-to-face with Julian.

Bracing for confrontation, she stepped back - only to see remorse in his expression.

"I owe you an apology," Julian said. "Grandfather's condition has me on edge, and the doctor's prognosis wasn't good. I behaved rudely earlier. Isabella mentioned your close bond with him. Your visits lift his spirits immensely. I was wrong to be discourteous - I should be thanking you instead."

Olivia blinked in surprise at his reasonableness. Studying him closely, she noted genuine sincerity in his eyes. His concern for William appeared heartfelt.

Her expression softened as she typed her reply. "Your concern for William speaks well of you. No offense taken - I'd likely react similarly in your position."

Julian's cheeks flushed slightly. "Thank you for understanding. Might I have your contact information?"

Seeing Olivia's hesitation, he quickly added, "Since you'll want to visit again, and Mother and I handle all hospital arrangements, it would streamline things if we exchanged details. Just message when you plan to come, and I'll ensure everything's prepared."

The request seemed reasonable. Olivia provided her secondary contact information.

After exchanging details, needing solitude, Olivia excused herself toward the lounge.

As she walked away, Julian's smile faded as he examined her contact information.

Eleanor approached with a disapproving frown. "That mute girl - I can't fathom why Father favors someone like her. He must be losing his faculties."

Julian smirked. "Mother, her background isn't what you think. Regardless, we should support Grandfather's choices. If he likes her, we should too. It proves we're the most prudent of his grandchildren."

Eleanor lowered her voice. "She seemed quite willing to give you her number. Perhaps she's interested? You should pursue this."

Julian's expression soured. "Really, Mother? You think I'd date someone who can't hold a conversation? Imagine introducing her to our circle. Still...perhaps I'll humor her. We'll see how things develop."

Eleanor fell silent.

Thirty minutes later, Alexander arrived.

Olivia emerged at the commotion, curious about the reason.

Alexander visited William accompanied by a medical team.

Ever methodical and decisive, Alexander handled every situation with precision.

When Julian and Eleanor tried to follow him in, Alexander's bodyguards barred their way.

Years of honed observation skills let Olivia catch the brief flash of resentment in Julian's eyes.

The contents of William's hospital room conversation remained a mystery.

When Alexander emerged, he looked more exhausted than ever.

Julian and Eleanor moved toward him eagerly, but something about them clearly irritated Alexander.

His face remained impassive, eyes distant and cool as they swept over the pair.

Eleanor looked ready to protest, but Julian whispered something that calmed her, leading her away.

Noticing Olivia in the corner, Alexander brushed past Julian and strode directly toward her.