chapter51

"Oh, Lydia, you're here! Seeing you always brightens my day."

Mr. Jefferson's mood flipped in an instant. His face was still red with the tail end of his earlier anger, but his eyes softened into a genuine smile as he walked up to

Lydia.

Lydia could only feel a little sorry for him. It couldn't be easy-at his age, still worrying about his grandsons' love lives.

Grandpa Samuel, you really shouldn't get so worked up. It's not good for your health."

Mr. Jefferson's frustration just melted away at her words. All that was left was warmth and happiness in his eyes.

Lydia, I promise, I'll remember that. I'll try my best to keep my temper in check." Lydia nodded. "Good."

Chris could barely believe what he was seeing. His grandpa was famous for his short fuse. He and his brothers even called him the Grumpy Old Man in private. But now, in front of Lydia, the same old man was acting sweet and gentle, like he'd suddenly switched personalities.

Still...

Chris looked around the hospital room.

Wait a second.

"Grandpa, where's my brother?" He stared at the empty hospital bed, completely confused.

Mr. Jefferson coughed a couple of times, looking awkward. "Uh, he... he just got an urgent call from work. Had to leave right away."

In reality, Connor had snuck out while pretending to change clothes. Mr. Jefferson had no clue where he'd gone.

But there was no way he'd let Lydia know that. She'd come all the way here out of kindness, and Connor just disappeared?

"Lydia, I'm so sorry. It's my fault you came here for nothing." When Mr. Jefferson first realized Connor was gone, he'd nearly exploded with anger. He swore that once he found Connor, he'd make him pay.

Lydia's lips curled into a small smile. "It's okay, Grandpa Samuel. I guess that means he has recovered. You don't have to worry so much anymore."

She'd taken care of the snake venom right away. Any traces left would have faded over the last couple of days. If he was well enough to sneak out now, he was probably fine.

Mr. Jefferson shook his head quickly. No, no, Lydia, you still need to check on him. Please."

Lydia raised an eyebrow. "He seems fine to me."

"He's not. I've tried every famous doctor I could find. Nothing's worked. Lydia, we really need your help." Mr. Jefferson's worry showed in every line of his face and every word.

Lydia started to think maybe this wasn't as simple as she thought. Grandpa Samuel, is there something seriously wrong with him?"

She hadn't heard any rumors about the Jefferson family's eldest suffering from a terminal illness.

Mr. Jefferson gave a slow nod and let out a heavy sigh. There is. Three years ago, he was badly hurt. We almost lost him. He survived, but he's been left with some hidden problem ever since. We've searched everywhere for help, but nothing's worked."

Just bringing up Connor's injury made Mr. Jefferson visibly sad.

"Later, we heard about a miracle doctor, someone they call Miracle Hands. People say he can cure anything, but we've been looking for three years and never found him. That's why, when I heard how skilled you are, I wanted to ask you to help."

His face darkened with frustration again. But that boy... he just had to leave at the worst possible time. Lydia, I really am sorry about today."

Lydia just smiled. "Don't worry, Grandpa Samuel. Whenever he has time, I'll check on him."

Mr. Jefferson's face lit up and he nodded again and again. "Good, good. Lydia, you're so thoughtful and understanding. So, tell me... which of my three grandsons do you like best?"

Chris groaned silently. Not this again.

Lydia laughed. "Grandpa Samuel, I need a little more time."

Mr. Jefferson's eyes turned to cheerful slits. "You're right, I'm just being impatient. You all need time to get to know each other. Chris, you're on break, aren't you? Take Lydia out to see more of the Capital, okay?"

Chris facepalmed. Hadn't he already shown her the whole city today?