Chapter 22

“For the next thirty years, I can kill one person and save one person for the Skye family,” Nash said, hanging up the phone after securing their agreement. Hera confirmed that only one 7nm lithography machine existed in the country, verifying the Skyes' claim. These machines were incredibly expensive, making the exchange for his services worthwhile.

Early the next morning, Harrison knocked on Nash's door. "Nashy, my father has woken up…" he said worriedly.

Seeing Harrison's troubled expression, Nash frowned. "How is the old man?"

"He seems… he seems to have lost some of his memories," Harrison replied mournfully.

Nash sighed. "The cancer's spread was serious, affecting his brain. Some nerve damage is expected after removal, but his condition shouldn't be too severe. Even memory loss should recover with follow-up treatment. It's not a major problem."

Hera emerged from the next room, sleepy-eyed. "Grandpa's awake?"

Harrison nodded. "Go wash up. You can visit him later."

Fifteen minutes later, Nash and Hera stood before Herman's bed. Herman sat expressionlessly.

"Grandpa, you really don't remember Nash?" Hera asked softly.

"I don't," Herman replied, his eyes narrowing in an attempt to recall the past, the effort causing a sharp pain. His eyes were bloodshot, his face grim.

Nash gently comforted him. "Don't force it. You'll risk further brain damage."

Herman sighed, then looked at Harrison. "You said I had late-stage cancer, and this kid cured me?"

Harrison nodded quickly. "Yes, Dad. You lost some memory because of Nash's treatment."

Herman snorted. "Nonsense. I had a physical last year, and now you say I have terminal cancer?" He considered this, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the three of them. "You're trying to kill me and fight over the family assets, aren't you?"

Lucas angrily scolded Theo, "How many times must I tell you to turn off your phone when I'm speaking?"

Theo covered the receiver, his expression mournful. "Nash is calling. I can't ignore him."

Lucas's heart lurched at the mention of Nash. Setting down his wine glass, he smiled. "What does Nash want?"

"He wants a 7nm lithography machine."

Lucas hesitated. "That's… not impossible. An old friend of mine might be able to acquire one."

"Should I agree to Nash's request?" Theo asked.

"Yes. He's done more for us than a lithography machine is worth," Lucas smiled.

Years earlier, Theo had returned from abroad with a crucial product sample. The dark web had dispatched sixteen top assassins to kill him and seize the sample. Nash, using his own strength, had protected Theo, defeating all sixteen assassins with only minor injuries. His power rivaled that of the top ten assassins. The Skyes had offered one billion to hire Fred, but Nash had refused the money, instead requesting help investigating his background.

After hearing his father's response, Theo told Nash, "My dad will help you."

"A favor?" Nash asked.

Before Theo could finish, Lucas covered his mouth, glared at him, and took the phone. Smiling, he said, "Mr. Calcraft, I'll use every connection to get that 7nm lithography machine. Remember this favor!"