Chapter 807

Arianna was visibly flustered. "N-Nothing! I meant Benedict hasn't been around recently, so I'll be your daughter for now. I'll take his place—no! I'll take good care of you!"

Her guilty, anxious expression betrayed her. Derrick, though sick, wasn't oblivious. He gripped her wrist firmly. "That doesn't sound right. Are you hiding something from me? What is it, Steph?"

He turned to his wife, Stephanie, his tone stern. Stephanie bit her lip, tears falling silently.

Getting no answer, he returned to Arianna. "Ari, tell me! I've always treated you as my daughter! Tell me what happened to Benny!"

"Uncle Derrick, please don't ask. You need to focus on your health."

Derrick pounded the bed with his other hand. "Are you trying to drive me crazy? Just tell me!"

"Uncle Derrick, don't! I'll tell you everything," Arianna said, her eyes welling up. Sobbing, she began, "A few days ago, we received news from Middle Valley that Benedict was bitten by a poisonous snake while collecting materials, and he d—" She choked, unable to finish.

Arianna covered her face and cried; Stephanie turned away to wipe her tears. Derrick slowly released Arianna's wrist. Stunned, he fell silent, his eyes wide as he stared blankly at Arianna.

She felt a surge of fear. "Uncle Derrick"

"Ari, you're joking, right? Benny's fine, right? He's always been lucky. This can't be He's fine" Derrick mumbled, shaking his head, repeating the phrase as if in a trance.

"Uncle Derrick, even if Benedict is gone, you still have me. We'll be by your side! You must take care of yourself!" Arianna urged anxiously. "The company is already in chaos! You must stay strong!"

"What about the company?" Derrick's voice was weak, his shock palpable. He didn't cry or shout, but a profound weakness overcame him, his gaze distant.

"There's a problem with the new perfume project. The public claims we used illegal ingredients. Everyone's working to resolve the crisis, but don't worry, we'll get through it. Your health is most important. You must stay—"

Before she could finish, he seized her hand, his eyes fixed on hers. "Uncle Derrick?" Arianna asked, feeling guilty, but he didn't respond.

He slowly released her, his strength seemingly drained. He fell back onto the bed.