Chapter 1691

Daniel sighed, slowly lowering himself onto a chair, his hands resting on his crutches. "How could this happen?" he murmured, turning to his grandson. "Don't you worry, Austin. Your granduncle will cure you, and you'll get better."

"I never made such a promise!" Dominic interjected sharply from the sidelines. Daniel merely smiled, unconcerned by the denial. In their younger years, Daniel had found Dominic's responses irritating, often leading to arguments. Now, older and wiser, Daniel saw Dominic for what he was: crude, yet soft-hearted. The fact that Dominic had tied Austin up to prevent him from harming himself, and had even summoned the others, spoke volumes. It was clear Dominic cared, despite his protestations.

"What are you smiling at?" Dominic snapped, noticing Daniel's radiant expression.

"Dom, after all these years, you still refuse to forgive me for my past mistakes," Daniel said, his voice calm. "It doesn't matter. It was my fault. I was wrong, I went overboard, I was too narrow-minded. Shout at me, plot your revenge—I deserve it!" He sighed. "Just...don't make things difficult for yourself."

"Me?!" Dominic frowned. "When do I make things difficult for myself?"

"That's good to know," Daniel chuckled. "Look at you. Still the same stubborn child." A happy smile played on his lips, crinkling the corners of his eyes; he seemed lost in reminiscence. Dominic's anger faltered at the sight of his brother's smile. He finally spat out, "F*ck!" He stamped his foot. "Don't be so happy. I have no idea what kind of virus is in that brat's body. All I know is what I feel from his pulse. When he has a seizure, the contractions are both internal and external. His immune system is low, but he looks fine. It's weird, and I…"

"Trust you!" Daniel interrupted.

"I don't understand anything you said," Daniel continued. "I only know you're my brother, and I believe in you!"

Dominic was stunned, speechless. He turned away, gritting his teeth. What the hell?! What is going on?! he thought. Their younger years had been marked by constant bickering and fights, culminating in Dominic's departure for years of travel while Daniel remained in Operose. Even after Dominic's return, they had barely interacted. This unexpected warmth was jarring.

Dominic waved a hand dismissively. "Anyway, I can't promise he'll live."

"Whether he lives or dies, that's his fate," Daniel repeated steadfastly. "I believe in you."

Finally, Dominic surrendered. "Okay, okay! I give up! Can you talk normally now? I can't stand hearing you talk like that."

Austin, lying weakly on the recliner, couldn't help but smile. If this self-inflicted disaster reconciled his grandfathers, it would be worth it.

Just as the tension eased, Elijah and Michelle returned, their eyes immediately drawn to their son's condition.